Opinion: For the first time in two decades West Brom start with hope rather than expectation

Even up to the start of last season, with arguably one of the best squads in the division, Albion were favourites for at least the play-offs.

Now we don't sit at the top table, we're not a big fish in the pond, we're one of the mid sized ones.

Despite the fact Albion have only sold one player in a summer when many feared a fire sale, our standing is lower.

Leicester, Leeds and Southampton all come down as strong favourites to go back up. Those around Albion, such as Stoke, have strengthened well.

Coventry City have spent money, so have other clubs, and the sides coming up aren't small either, so they will cause problems.

The Championship is going to be as difficult as it has ever been, and couple that with the fact Albion are financially shackled and have brought in just two new players, that leads to lower expectations.

The expectations are now lower than they have been since the turn of the Millennium.

Sections of fans will still expect, but sections will accept where Albion are, having been there to witness the doldrums of the 1990s.

Is there cause for hope, despite the lowly expectations and reality of the situation. Well, yes?

In Carlos Corberan, Albion have arguably one of the best managers in the league. If he had been in charge since this time last year, Albion could well have been preparing for a Premier League season.

Also, despite not being able to bring a lot in, not many have gone out. Aside from out of contact players and Karlan Grant, only Dara O'Shea has gone meaning Albion have a good squad heading into the new campaign.

Some fear relegation, which from my point of view, is extremely wide of the mark.

A sensible betting man would say mid table would be Albion's position this season, however, it isn't beyond the realms of possibility that they can challenge for the top six.

But ahead of the new campaign, for the first time in over two decades, that is the hope, rather than the expectation.