North East will have two football clubs in the Premier League for the first time in eight years
Premier League football returns
The Premier League kicks off tonight at Anfield, but our North Eastern sides will not be playing their opening games until tomorrow.
Newcastle will travel to Aston Villa to mark the start of their season, and local rivals Sunderland host West Ham, at the Stadium of Light, for their first Premier League game in eight years.
Paddy Hollis, who writes for Roker report, tells us about the excitement brewing in the region.
He said: "It felt like a much longer wait than eight years. It feels like decades ago since we were last in the Premier League.
"It’s nice that this wait is almost over. We’re just all looking forward to being able to have a go at the big boys again.
"Granit Xhaka is out in front as the standout signing of the summer. The club showed that they meant business by going out and getting someone with so much experience, but who is also still such a top player so that’s fantastic.
"The region is going to benefit overall from Sunderland being back in the Premier League.
"More eyes are on Sunderland, not just the club but the city as well. It’s the most excited I’ve ever been to be a Sunderland fan. This period is just fantastic and I can’t wait for the kick-off.
"It’s fantastic for the region. The North East needs two of its big football clubs in the topflight. We’ve struggled a bit over recent years, but we’re back.
"The two Derby weekends – it’s all anybody is going to be able to talk about whatever the result on either side."