Stoke City boss Mark Robins insists this campaign "feels different" as his side continue their push to escape the Championship and return to the Premier League, according to BBC News.
Robins says the club remain "desperate" to end their exile from the top flight, having slipped out of the Premier League some years ago and struggled since to mount a serious promotion charge. While specific details of the current squad or fixtures weren't outlined in the report, the message from the manager is one of renewed optimism heading into the new season.
The BBC report doesn't elaborate on what exactly has changed behind the scenes at the bet365 Stadium, but Robins' comments suggest a belief that Stoke are better placed than in recent years to challenge for promotion. For a club that once regarded Premier League football as the norm, ending that "desperate" wait remains the clear priority as the campaign gets underway.