A new format, a new sponsor, a new club (Bangor), but then came the catch - a new problem.

Last Saturday, the referees hung up their whistles for the day to go on strike and Irish League grounds remained empty at three o'clock.

But whatever your opinion on the sorry mess that was "Whistlegate" the day has finally arrived that fans, players and everyone involved in football here have been waiting for.

And what a way to start it all off than a mouth watering encounter between current champions Linfield and their bitter cross city rivals Cliftonville at Windsor Park.

Having finished third in the league for the last two seasons the Reds' only downfall has been running out of steam at the final hurdle.

But with a strengthened squad (no fewer than six names added to their team sheet) and more European experience this summer, Eddie Patterson's men will be as dangerous a team as you will get in the league this season.

This despite the fact they haven't registered a competitive victory since Easter.

Linfield are still the team to beat and even though they've lost goalscoring hero Peter Thompson to Stockport County, they too have added to their already hugely talented squad.

Last season nothing could separate the Blues and Reds in their two league matches but Cliftonville will remember the pain of that Irish Cup semi final defeat to David Jeffrey's troops come three o'clock today.

Another team everyone is talking about before a ball has even been kicked this season is Glentoran.

As soon as Linfield's depleted strike force came under attack (pun not intended) the Glens were promoted to favourites in many people's books to lift the much sought after Gibson Cup.

Runners up is a title no-one wants so having bore it for the last three seasons Alan McDonald's men from the East will certainly be doing all in their power to go one better this time around.

They start off by hosting Glenavon at The Oval - there's nothing like being thrown in at the deep end for new Lugan Blues manager Stephen McBride.

Another two teams who should be there or there abouts challenging this season are Ballymena United and Lisburn Distillery - they face each other at the Ballymena Showgrounds in what should be another tight battle.

New Sky Blues boss Roy Walker proved his talent during his time at Crusaders and has managed to hold on to key players while also adding to his ranks. Paul Kirk showed what his Distillery side can do by finishing one point behind Cliftonville and securing European football last time out.

Crusaders are also looking strong with their new signings and they take on Institute at Drumahoe. Newry City's aim will be consistency this season, they face Coleraine in their first game, and new comers Bangor have an excellent leader in Marty Quinn, who takes his charges to possible dark horses Dungannon Swifts for their opener.

There's no doubt the new 12 team JJB Sports Premiership has the potential to be as close a league as we have seen here for years .... thankfully this week we can let the games begin!