The preamble is over, some teams have already been eliminated from the Capital One Cup, Manchester City have won their first trophy of the season, competitive domestic football is back.

Last season will live forever in the memory of Charlton fans, a title winning season, 101 points, how can anything compare with that? Well, regaining a place in the Premier League is the plan but that may have to wait for a season or two.

It was Stevenage in October before the Addicks tasted league defeat and March before they were beaten at The Valley.

Plenty of pivitol moments in between. Probably the time when Charlton fans really believed they had a special team was on a Monday night at the end of November. The Sky cameras were at The Valley to witness Huddersfield defending their unbeaten 43 match run against the league leaders.

The nation watched as Yann Kermorgant and loanee, Hogan Ephraim, brought the Terriers’ proud record to an end.

Fast forward to January. Successive Saturdays saw the Addicks travel to Hillsborough and entertain Wednesday’s city rivals, Sheffield United, at The Valley. Charlton’s closest rivals were both vanquished, courtesy of stunning free-kicks from skipper Johnnie Jackson.

A week later the skipper firmly cemented himself in Charlton folk lore. No goal this time, it was Danny Green who produced the magic at Exeter. The long trip back to Paddington was made memorable by Jackson buying the fans drinks at the bar on the train.

Carlisle in April, a third promotion won at Brunton Park, it was written in the stars wasn’t it?

The memories will be cherished forever but now is the time to look forward. Problems behind the scenes have blighted the summer and the calibre of signings the fans craved have not materialised.

Despite this – the blip at Gillingham aside – the pre-season has gone wonderfully well. Saturday’s win at Craven Cottage, against the Fulham side Martin Jol will probably field in the seaon opener against Norwich, was inspirational.

Maybe, just maybe, the Addicks will carry last season’s momentum forward. They have a tough start to the campaign but what confidence a good start would instill in Powell’s team. If fresh investment can be found, or Tony Jiminez can lure a quality loanee or two to supplement last season’s title winners, who knows what miracle Chris Powell might pull off?