After months of interminable transfer speculation that has at times reached startling heights of absurdity, it is quite a relief that the Premier League finally kicks off today.
We have been subjected to ridiculous rumours, unashamed greed and downright lies concerning the ultimate destinations of the likes of Luis Suarez, Gareth Bale and Wayne Rooney and, as of press time, are still none the wiser. Talk about a big yawn.
Once again the Premier League will feel like three divisions in one. There will be the top four or five, otherwise known as the 'usual suspects', vying for the title and European places.
Then there will be a few of the regular middle-of-the-table outfits, possibly joined by a couple of upstarts, aiming for a top-10 finish.
Finally there are the rest of them, whose only interest is to avoid relegation. For plenty of clubs, usually the ones I support, there's nothing wrong with 17th place.
There is added interest in that three of last season's top four clubs have a new manager, which adds an element of uncertainty. They will all do well to avoid nervous breakdowns.
Under the most pressure will be David Moyes, with the impossible task of stepping into the very big shoes of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Moyes is already learning that there's a lot more to his job than just the match day.
He is already clearly sick to death of facing daily questions about Rooney. On the field, he might find it tough to retain the title. The curtain-raiser Community Shield match at least confirmed United, though not great, will be difficult to beat.
Last season's runners-up, Manchester City, also have a new man at the helm with Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean has been busy in the transfer market and one of his aims will be to improve City's performances in Europe, although the fans would settle for the domestic title.
Then there is the return of Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge and many pundits are forecasting that Chelsea will lift the Premier League title. There is huge optimism amongst the Blues fans, although if things don't go right for the 'Happy One' we could be seeing the 'Miserable One' before long.
The one club from last season's top four that does not have a new manager is Arsenal but that doesn't mean Arsene Wenger faces any less pressure as he enters his 18th season as Gunners gaffer.
The managerial stability at Arsenal ought to work in the clubs favour, but the eight-year trophy drought is making the fans a little restless. A couple of signings might do the trick.
Then we have Spurs and Liverpool, both probably destined to miss out again. Until they get the Bale and Suarez situations sorted out, it is difficult to forecast how each club will perform.
Brendan Rodgers looks about ready to throttle the next reporter who asks anything about Suarez. Andre Villas-Boas, however, sounded quite upbeat and offered a teasing the "last week in the transfer market can be surprising".
Everton will be hoping for another solid season under new manager Roberto Martinez, who for the first time in a while won't have relegation to worry about.
It could be a long season for a few managers, including Mark Hughes, hoping for a little more success at Stoke City than he enjoyed with QPR. Alan Pardew must also be wondering whats in store at St James' Park and must find it a little unnerving that the bookies have him leading the sack race.
Keep an eye open for Norwich City, who have made some astute signings, including that of striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel. With a name like that he has to be good.
The relegation battle is often the most entertaining part and that is unlikely to change. As always, the newly promoted clubs - Cardiff City, Hull City and Crystal Palace - will be among the favourites to go back down.
Hull have had an unwanted distraction with owner Assem Allam deciding to change the club's official name to Hull City Tigers after 109 years as AFC Hull City.
The fans are not too pleased, but manager Steve Bruce is rightly more worried about how his players perform. However, he has boosted the midfield significantly with the surprise signings of Tom Huddleston and Jake Livermore from Spurs.
This will be Crystal Palace's fifth stint in the Premier League and on the previous occasions they have only survived one season.
Nothing suggests this is likely to change, although manager Ian Holloway thinks he's in with a chance. At least Holloway brings a bit of humour to the league, and he's going to need it in what is likely to be a tough battle to stay up.
Cardiff City are perhaps the most intriguing of the newly promoted outfits, making a return to the top flight for the first time in 51 years.
Enterprising Scottish manager Malky Mackay has reportedly emphasised fitness to keep his side in the division. With veteran Craig Bellamy performing as well as ever and some smart signings, they could be in for an exciting season.
Lets just hope it's an exciting battle at both the top and the bottom. You never know, an unfashionable team may even take a run at the title - we can always dream.