VIEW FROM THE STANDS

Last season was frustrating, disappointing, but ultimately a success. We looked dead and buried a few times.

The big talking point is a potential takeover. Most would be happy for Moshiri to sell, but only to a group with the right vision.

This season will be different because Rafa Benitez is no longer manager and Frank Lampard isn’t trying to drag a squad bereft of confidence out of a slump. The fans are well and truly back onside.

I won’t be happy unless Lampard is given a decent transfer budget to start shaping his own squad with young, hungry players – not overpaid, underwhelming signings we’ve been used to.

Our most underrated player is Yerry Mina. Makes us much harder to beat, but seems unable to stay fit for more than a few matches.

The opposition player who grinds my gears is Andy Robertson. Great player, but just not for me.

I’m least looking forward to playing Liverpool. The Merseyside derby is very rarely fun, and this season the home fixture falls on my birthday. Wonderful.

The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is that Lampard’s passion, straight- talking and celebrations endeared himself to the supporters. Questions remain over his tactical acumen, but we all want him to do well.

If he left, he should be replaced by Graham Potter. Unlikely he’d fancy it, but the long- term appointment we’ve been crying out for.

The pantomime villain will be Anthony Gordon. Rightly or wrongly, he appears to have earned a reputation as a diver already. Expect more headlines in 2022- 23.

We’ll finish 11th. Mid- table mediocrity, but we’ll take it after the stress of last term.