Norwich City supporter Edward Seaman says only instant promotion back to Premier League will do for the Canaries this season

It should come as no surprise that Norwich City are the bookies’ favourites to win the Championship title this season. After all, as the nation’s favourite yo-yo club, it’s what we do best.

Promotion, relegation, promotion, relegation – a seemingly endless cycle of joy and misery that cannot be broken.

In all seriousness, on the eve of the new Championship season, the only outcome that can be considered a success come May is another instant return to the Premier League.

Now that’s not to take this division lightly, we all know how tough and gruelling the next 46 games will be, but we are fancied for a reason.

Dean Smith has at his disposal a core of players who have been there and done it – and on more than one occasion. The likes of Tim Krul, Max Aarons, Grant Hanley, Ben Gibson and Kenny McLean all have the experience and quality to succeed at this level.

As of course does Smith himself, having guided Aston Villa to promotion in 2019.

Then there’s the small matter of Teemu Pukki – and the fact that we have retained his services (for now at least).

No-one needs me to hark on about the impact he can have at this level – his record of 55 goals in 84 games speaks for itself. Perhaps the one area of doubt is Teemu’s supporting cast.

Milot Rashica, Josh Sargent, Adam Idah and Kieran Dowell scored just five Premier League goals between them last campaign – and will need to really step up their contribution this time around.

All eyes will also be on Todd Cantwell, who appears ready to embark on a road to redemption.

Fit and focussed, Todd has the ability to spearhead our promotion push and I’d be surprised not to see him in the starting line-up to face Cardiff.

Promotion won’t be won or lost on the opening day, but given the way last season unravelled, it’s vitally important to get off to a fast start. Bring it on!