The squad numbers now out show a mixed bag of players, with the core of the squad people who failed in the past. Bennett, Richards, Okore, Bacuna, Sinclair, Gabby, Gestede, Westwood, Lescott, Veretout, Kozak, Traore, Gardner, Sanchez, Cissokho, and Bunn did not cover themselves with glory. Ayew, Amavi, Baker don't have the same damaged reputation, but Jack Grealish and Jed Steer have yet to prove themselves.

Di Matteo is wise to say he has a two year project to get back to the Premiership. This squad looks like work in progress and with a lot to do its worth remembering games this year are 48. In the prem the minimum was 38 plus 2 cup games minimum. It will be a long hard season.