Recently I’ve not been slow in coming forward with criticism of professional football – but with the season about to get under way I have to admit to experiencing something approaching excitement.

I’m sure that’s an emotion shared by supporters throughout the West Midlands – and with good reason.

The air should be thick with anticipation around Molineux, The Hawthorns and the Banks’s Stadium, for different reasons.

The Old Gold corner of the Black Country is not just entering a new season, but a new era.

And if it continues in the way it began on Thursday then there should be much for fans to savour during the months to come.

It could have been gut instinct, a touch of sunshine-induced optimism or the free sandwiches on offer at the press conference, but I couldn’t help sensing that Wolves feels like a club on the way up following Steve Morgan’s takeover.

The handover was conducted in a genuine spirit of bonhomie and good natured humour – mostly supplied by Sir Jack Hayward whose engaging wit does not dim with the passing of time.

But beneath the surface ripple of smiles and handshakes there is a deep swell of intent on the part of Steve Morgan who was earnest in his stated aim to establish the club in the Premiership.

That is a long distance goal but in the short term the impact of his arrival has already been felt in summer signings made by Mick McCarthy.

The steady progress made last season laid solid foundations for the coming campaign, and with the likes of Freddy Eastwood grafted on to the stem of a side which made the play-offs in May, it’s impossible not to see Wolves challenging again.

The same should be true of Albion, although they have undergone major surgery this season – a process which may not yet be complete.

Some good players have left but it has to be remembered having the likes of Diomansy Kamara and Jason Koumas among their ranks was not sufficient to secure promotion last season, so their departures may not be overly significant in the long run.

Certainly the money received for them represents excellent business for Albion.

After last season’s narrow failure to get promoted it was inevitable there would be a major shake-up and that has injected a sense of fresh impetus into the Baggies.

For the first time since he arrived at the club Tony Mowbray will be able to claim the team as truly his own thanks to the new additions.

While some – Tininho, Felipe Teixeira – are unknown quantities, others – Craig Beattie, Leon Barnett – look sound acquisitions.

With so many new faces in place Baggies fans cannot fail to be intrigued and excited by the prospect of the new season.

It may take the new men time to gel but the Championship is a long old slog, meaning there are more than enough games for the Baggies to find their feet and mount another serious challenge.

Promotion is unlikely to be a word being bandied about at Walsall but there should be genuine hopes of consolidation at the Banks’s Stadium.

Much has been made about the respective ages of some of the Saddlers’ new boys – but their experience could be vital in anchoring the club back in League One.
Tommy Mooney has enough old-school guile to provide a steady flow of goals in what could be a fascinating partnership with Martin Butler.

Left-back Paul Boertien looks another quality signing.

A second straight promotion is probably too much to ask but Walsall should steer comfortably clear of relegation waters.

Looking beyond the Black Country to the second city, optimism will be of the cautious variety.

There can be little question that Villa’s transfer activity has not set the world alight so far.

Nigel Reo-Coker and Marlon Harewood have points to prove after a rankerous season at West Ham, but whether they can play a lead role in lifting Villa beyond the Premier League’s also-ran section remains to be seen.

Much will be expected of the club’s young guns – Ashley Young, Luke Moore et al, and Young’s pre-season has been full of promise.
But there’s little doubt that as a squad Villa are not exactly well stocked.

The loan-signing of Scott Carson is a significant addition but more must be made before the end of August if a hum-drum plod to mid-table indifference is to be avoided.

However, Villa are likely to remain top dogs in Brum with Blues facing arguably the most difficult task of the West Midland clubs.

Reference to the widening gap between Premier League and Championship is becoming cliche – but that doesn’t make it any less valid.

Their survival will depend as much on the failings of others as the ability to maximise their own limited strengths.

Derby, Sunderland, Wigan, Fulham and Middlesbrough could all provide redemption for Steve Bruce’s men.