It is 10 years ago this month that Frank Lampard began his first season for Chelsea.
As he looks to hit the ground running at Stoke today, he can do so in the knowledge that the teams he has been in have a good record of doing just that. His very first game in blue was indeed the last time Chelsea failed to win on opening day. In August 2001 we drew 1-1 at home to Newcastle.
A decade on, the vice-captain is looking forward to the challenge of doing better than on that debut day.
'I am feeling good,' he said. 'I have enjoyed all ten seasons I have done and I am looking forward to the 11th, having missed a big portion of last season and the team having not won any trophies.