I'm back and ready for the start of the new season, and no doubt you are as well!
It was an interesting summer, to say the least.
On the surface, it had all the makings of a quiet off-season.
Our FA Cup final appearance was put away on the shelf, there was no major championship taking place, and things were looking pretty subdued in the transfer market.
And then along came Roman Abramovic to blow things wide open.
The effects of his fortune have been felt far and wide, not least at Southampton, where he prised Wayne Bridge away.
 |  I'll be eternally grateful to Ray Harford. He was one of the nicest men in the game |
I've got mixed feelings about Bridgey's departure.
We roomed together and he was probably my best mate at the club.
But from his point of view it's a great move, he's got the chance to play with some great players.
Bridgey must be pinching himself to be in the dressing room with the likes of Veron, Geremi, Damien Duff, Joe Cole and all the others.
Chelsea's biggest problem might well be how to keep all those players happy as they won't all be able to play every week. That's not something that will affect Bridgey, though.
I've always said he's the best left-back in the country, and playing regularly in the Champions League should help him cement that.
Personally, I'm obviously sorry to see Bridgey go. We were great mates - still are - and he's a good player to have in your team.
It was also a sad summer for me with the death of Ray Harford.
I was at Blackburn when Ray was there and he gave me my debut, something I'll be eternally grateful for. Ray was one of the nicest men in the game, who didn't have a bad word for anyone.
 Stamford Bridge for Wayne Bridge |
He was never one to go shouting the odds and he had a very dry sense of humour, which explains why he was respected and liked by everyone; players, other managers and the media. I'll certainly miss him.
Onwards and upwards, though, and Graham Le Saux is a class act, and we'll certainly need players like him.
We go into this season under a fair degree of pressure.
After last season when we finished eighth and reached the Cup final our fans expect a lot more from us.
That won't be easy to deliver in a Premiership which is always tough.
More than the pressure from the fans, though, is the pressure we put ourselves under.
We want to improve on last season. You always have to strive to improve, because in the Premiership to stand still is to die.
| I know what it takes to score goals in the Premiership, and I'm confident I can do it again |
I'm also determined to score as many goals as I did last season. I know a lot of pundits have said they don't expect me to have another campaign like last season, but I don't see why not.
People have branded me a 'confidence player' and I suppose to an extent, every player is.
All I can say to that is that after scoring 24 goals last season, I know what it takes to score goals in the Premiership, and I'm confident I can do it again.
The signing of Kevin Phillips is a great boost to the club.
I have always enjoyed operating with a smaller guy alongside me. and if he can reproduce his past form, our attack should carry plenty of goal threat.
With Marian Pahars returning to fitness, Brett Ormerod buzzing around - and not forgetting Agustin Delgado still to come - we've got a potent-looking strike force.
The clock is ticking down to kick-off, and I can't wait.
MMIX
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