Leeds supporters set the pace for a remarkably upbeat Premier League

Leeds United begin the new Premier League season with the most hopeful supporters in the division, according to The Athletic’s annual, non-scientific survey of fan mood. An extraordinary 99 per cent of Leeds respondents said they were optimistic about the prospects for Daniel Farke and his team.

Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Brentford, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur make up the chasing group, while Liverpool are the least upbeat supporters surveyed. Fulham, Everton and Newcastle United are the other clubs near the pessimistic end of the table.

A summer of optimism

The survey’s broader picture is even more striking. Fans of the top 15 clubs are at least 82 per cent optimistic, a level described as unprecedented in the history of the exercise. Every set of supporters in the survey is more optimistic than pessimistic.

That represents a dramatic shift from last year, when only nine clubs reached 80 per cent optimism or higher. Newcastle United were bottom at 19 per cent after Alexander Isak’s contentious move to Liverpool, while Wolverhampton Wanderers stood at 32 per cent and West Ham United at 39 per cent. Newcastle finished 12th, while Wolves and West Ham were relegated.

The latest figures also contrast with the more severe gloom of previous seasons. Three years ago, just eight per cent of West Ham supporters expressed a positive mindset, compared with 17 per cent for Sheffield United and 26 per cent for Everton. The season before that, Bournemouth were bottom on 27 per cent.

New managers, new signings and renewed belief

The unusually sunny mood may be linked to the freshness surrounding the division. Nine clubs begin the campaign with new permanent managers, a record for the Premier League, giving uncertainty a more exciting edge.

Leeds’ confidence is also being fuelled by recruitment. Supporters cited the contract extension for Ethan Ampadu and the arrivals of Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic and James Trafford, with further squad depth still wanted. The club’s £40 million investment in a goalkeeper has added to the sense that an ambitious new era is taking shape.

At Chelsea, supporters are excited by the prospect of goals from Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, while Aston Villa fans continue to place their faith in Unai Emery. Nottingham Forest supporters have embraced the possibility of another new era, and Brentford fans are dreaming of a cup run and European football.

Hope at both ends of the table

Newly promoted Sunderland have particularly strong grounds for optimism after retaining key members of their squad, thriving in the Premier League last season, qualifying for Europe and beating Newcastle twice. Bournemouth, meanwhile, remain buoyant despite the departure of Andoni Iraola.

There is also excitement at several established clubs. Manchester United fans are targeting a top-four finish and a trophy, while Manchester City supporters describe the post-managerial-transition atmosphere as uncertain but hopeful. Crystal Palace are looking forward to a European tour after a second major trophy, and Brighton & Hove Albion remain relentlessly cheerful despite another heavily reshaped squad.

At the other end, Newcastle supporters are split between predictions of winning everything and finishing below 15th. Everton fans are wondering whether David Moyes can earn a new contract, while Fulham face a season of unknowns under a new manager and with a youthful rebuild.

Liverpool’s position is the survey’s biggest warning sign. They were second in last year’s hope-o-meter but are bottom this time, with supporters concerned about a new coach and the same unresolved squad issues. Even so, Liverpool fans remain more optimistic than pessimistic — a reminder that, in August, hope is difficult to extinguish.

As the survey’s analysis puts it: “It’s the hope that kills you.” For now, however, Premier League supporters appear determined to enjoy it.