The bookies may pay for writing off Huddersfield Town this season.
That’s the view of Skybet public relations chief Dale Tempest, a former striker with the club and close follower of events at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Now 52, Tempest was a part of Mick Buxton’s team at Town in the mid 1980s and later returned in a commercial and PR role.
He’s been impressed by David Wagner’s influence and the squad reshaping backed by chairman Dean Hoyle, and feels Town could be something of a surprise package in the Championship.
“It’s been all change at Town with 12 senior signings coming in and the club are making a real effort with their #WagnerRevolution,” said Tempest, who was Town top scorer in his two seasons as a player with the club.
“The season-ticket offer has been sensational and, in fact, everything at the club looks progressive at the moment.
“All we need now are a few results to kick everything off in style.”
Town kick-off the campaign at home to Brentford and, after a League Cup trip to Shrewsbury, they have successive league trips to former Premier League duo Newcastle United and Aston Villa.
“The (betting) markets are still dismissing Town, but I certainly see them having the potential for top half (of the table),” added Tempest.
“They just need a good start, because that will make it so much easier for the new signings to settle in.
“That happens so much more quickly when the team starts to pick up a few wins, because if you get a few losses up front, people start to question.
“I reckon there are exciting times ahead this season and I bet the Town fans can’t wait for kick-off. Hopefully it will be really good.”