Tim Krul is excited to get back to training at Norwich. His childlike joy at returning to action after the summer break will be in stark contrast to what NUFC players will be feeling this Thursday.

Newcastle players will be returning to a dark place filled with the void of their iconic manager’s departure. A place of uncertainty and doubt which is under the thumb of a truly nasty piece of work in Mike Ashley.

They will be returning to a training ground in desperate need of modern upgrades. A ground at which they will be under the tutelage of Neil Redfearn when they will be longing for Rafa Benitez.

Norwich City have spent the last three seasons in the Championship since getting relegated with Newcastle and Aston Villa in 2016. Newcastle came straight back up while Norwich and Villa just came back up this summer.

But you have to ask yourself, who is in better shape. Certainly not the club that has spent the last two seasons reaping the financial rewards of Premiership TV revenue.

The teams that have spent the last three seasons languishing in the second division have taken steps towards Premiership prosperity. Villa is bringing in players while Norwich has upgraded its facilities.

This is what Tim has tweeted:

Excited like a little kid reporting for the first day back at school ..
New season – New training ground ????? #bringiton #Preseason @NorwichCityFC pic.twitter.com/1nZNIveFj4

— Tim Krul (@TimKrul) July 1, 2019

Newcastle have made one thing clear to fans, players, and staff alike. It is a signal to all associated with the club. And it reads:

Abandon all hope ye who enter here.