Opinion: For the first time in two decades West Brom start with hope rather than expectation
For Albion fans in my generation the build-up to the new season brings with it a strange feeling.
In the last 20 or so years, pre-season expectations have consisted of two things, Premier League survival or promotion from the Championship.
Even up to the start of last season, with arguably one of the best squads in the division, Albion were favourites for at least the play-offs.
Now we don't sit at the top table, we're not a big fish in the pond, we're one of the mid sized ones.
Despite the fact Albion have only sold one player in a summer when many feared a fire sale, our standing is lower.
