Obviously better than the pre-season trip back in 1998 when the visit to the Emerald Isle saw Alan Shearer take Keith Gillespie out of an eating establishment and knock seven bells out of him.
Ahhhh ... happy days.
Peter Lovenkrands: “I’m sure a coach who can go through the Championship, and win as comfortably as he (Hughton) did, can do really well in the Premier League.
“He had a lot to deal with behind the scenes last season, and he did a tremendous job.
“He deserved all the credit he got.
“He’s calm, and took everything in his stride.
“He expects a lot from the players, and we expect a lot from him.
“It’s all about teamwork and team bonding. Chris knows all about that, and I think everyone has a really good connection.
“It’s been great. The boys are really up for it – there’s the same kind of attitude as last year. The boys really want to get started. We want to enjoy ourselves as well.”