So a new season begins.
The hope and anticipation is palpable as Villa Park fills. The Emery tifo is unfurled, the flame-boxes pump salvoes of fire high into the lunchtime air and the opening bars of 'Hi-ho Silver Lining' ring out loud from the ground's speaker-system.
Kick off is just a moment or two away and the crowds are on their feet. The smoke machines belch out the thick white clouds which presage the entry of the match officials followed closely by the two teams.
We're about to get underway! A classico between Aston Villa and Newcastle, both vying to break into the very highest echelon despite the ridiculous PSR regime which cocoons the super-elite from challenge.
The two sets of fans unite in a repeated chant of 'Premier League, corrupt as f***'
The wait is over and the scoreline of nils each says it all...
