Alex Neil reckons Sunderland are back in the most brutal and competitive league in the world.
The Scot has assessed the challenge ahead of the newly promoted Wearsiders in the Championship. They will have 38,000 fans in the Stadium of Light for their return to the second tier on Sunday, and because of the historical stature of the club will be seen as contenders for the top six.
But Neil points to the parachute payment power of Norwich, Burnley and Watford relegated from the Premier League. And he sees fallen giants like Blackburn, Sheffield United and Stoke among a total of 16 clubs who think they can challenge for promotion.