WITH the North-East being so passionate about football, the new season is always met with great excitement, but it is fair to say that there is an even greater sense of anticipation in the region this time round.

Only the most optimistic will believe that there is a possibility that any of the North-East's Premier League clubs can break into the coveted top four positions, but football has always been a sport for dreamers.

Newcastle fans will hope that the end of the Freddy Shepherd era, a new boardroom and the introduction of Sam Allardyce will finally bring silverware to St James' Park.

With Sunderland back in the top flight, where the club deserves to be, these are heady times for supporters of the Black Cats. If nothing else, the prospect of Roy Keane locking horns with the likes of Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho is enough to get the pulses racing.

With Steve Gibson and Gareth Southgate at the helm, Middlesbrough have two of the game's good guys and we hope that predictions of a difficult campaign prove unfounded.

Newly-promoted Hartlepool are ready to embark on life back in League One and although consolidation will be enough for most fans, there will be many who believe that Danny Wilson is capable of taking them higher.

Meanwhile, no one can claim that Darlington chairman George Houghton has failed to put his money where his mouth is. With 12 new signings and a go-ahead approach to the club's commercial operations, this could finally be the year when the Quakers turn promise into real progress and we hope supporters turn up in sufficient numbers to repay Mr Houghton's commitment.

Football is a vitally important part of the North-East's culture. Success for our clubs would not only bring economic benefits, but also lift countless spirits in a way that only football can.

We therefore wish all five of the North-East's clubs well for the new season and keep our fingers crossed that we have cause for celebration come next spring.