So, Newcastle United 3, Middlesbrough 0 and that's before a ball has even been kicked.
First it was Mark Viduka, then Joey Barton and now Riverside old boy Geremi, who is the latest to join Big Sam's revolution at St James' Park and not to join Gareth Southgate and the lads on Teesside.
United jetted out to Austria today for their boot camp in Stegersbach but the Cameroon World Cup star wasn't on board their 9am flight to Graz this morning from Newcastle Airport.
The former Chelsea ace was putting his feet up after helping his country to qualify for the African Nations next year in Ghana but will be ready to rock and roll in the Toon's pre-season freindlies.
You certainly have to be in a better frame of mind than this time last year when Glenn Roeder hadn't even signed a player at this stage with Damien Duff coming in on July 22.
This time around we've signed four players and there is more to come,
Geremi is likely to start the season at right-back for Big Sam but his versatility could see him operate wide right or even in the middle of the park.
The Cameroon star is hard working and not afraid to get stuck in, I mean anyone who has witnessed an African Nations match, knows that many of the fairies we see in the Premiership wouldn't last two minutes with some of the tackles that go in during those games.
United fans will as ever be cautious during the pre-season but optimistic at the same time.
And if Big Sam continues to attract established stars such Geremi, Viduka, Barton and David Rozenhal, all four of them bringing in some much needed quality and experience.
Nobody is saying they are world class just yet, but they are looking like what could be the difference between that abject 13th place and the top six.
Keep them coming Big Sam!
Black and White Reunion
No less than 22 former United favourites attending the Black And White Reunion in August which takes place at St James' Park.
Organised by fanzine editor Steve Wraith the night will include backing from former players such as Bob Moncur, SuperMac and John Beresford.
Wraith told me: "We wanted to do a special fundraiser for Leam Rangers YFC and decided to organise the largest sporting dinner the North East has ever seen.
"We have a great cross section of players from the last four decades are will hopefully have a couple of first team players there on the night although they will have to be in bed early as we play Aston Villa at home the next day."
Standard tables cost £300 while VIP tables will cost £500
For more details ring 07950608334
TOON SQUAD FOR AUGUST 17: John Beresford, Bob Moncur, Malcolm Macdonald,Kevin Carr,Jeff Clarke,Bryan Robson,Imre Varadi,Mick Martin,John Anderson,David McCreery,Wes Saunders,Mick Martin,Paul Stephenson,Ian Bogie,Alan Shoulder,Martin Thomas,Steve Carney,Billy Whitehurst,Billy Askew,Derek Bell, Warren Barton, Joe Allon.
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