Preston North End defender Callum Davidson has been part of seven promotion-chasing campaigns in his career, although he only ever caught the big prize twice.
But after an unusually gruelling summer under Alan Irvine he reckons he could just be in for another.
"I'm not one for setting targets," said the Scot as he put the final preparations to what he hopes will be his lucky 13th season as a pro.
"But I think it is realistic for us to look at getting into that top bracket after the way we finished last time.
"If we aim to get above 10th place then anyone above that has a chance of making the play-off places.
"I think we're more than capable of doing that judging by the positive mood amongst the lads."
Don't miss our 16-page PNE pull-out in. Only in Monday's Lancashire Evening Post.Davidson, the daddy of the squad at 32, has played in the Premier League with both Blackburn Rovers and Leicester City and tasted
international football with Scotland.
His ambition is to get one more crack at the top flight before he hangs up his boots – and with a new three-year contract only just signed he believes he has every chance.
Judging by the way Irvine has been tuning up the squad for an
assault on the league, experienced Davidson admits it could be sooner rather than later.
"The manager is good at his job and he has made it very hard for us this summer," said the full-back.
"The older you get the harder it seems.
"But all the other lads have said this has been a really tough one.
"Yet it is all for a purpose, to make sure we are as fit as we can possibly be and to give us a chance of making a good start to the season.
"In this league it is very important that you start well. For teams like Preston, if you don't get off to a good start then it can be very tough.
"We need to do well from the off because then you build confidence and you can find it a little bit more enjoyable too.
"Bristol City showed last season that, with the momentum they brought up with them, if you get off to a flier it can carry you forward.
"You get into the habit of picking up points and games you might draw you can win and games you might lose you can draw.
"The thing is, as we found last year, if you are at the other end of the table it always seems to happen the other way round. So that's why it is important we start well."
Davidson had his busiest season in a long time last year, starting a total of 42 games and making only one substitute appearance.
His return to peak fitness meant Matt Hill was elbowed out at
left-back. And the two are likely to be fighting tooth and nail again this season for the position.
"Competition is what you need in this division," said the Scot. "You need players who can come in if there is an injury or a suspension and it doesn't weaken the team.
"I don't mind competition and never have. It is up to each individual to show the manager what he can do."
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