THE Premiership is back. In millions of eyes, football is important again.

For thousands of supporters across the country, there are new dreams to cling to, new nails to bite.

Here in the North-East, we wish our clubs well. Can Sir Bobby Robson's Newcastle prove that last season's European surge was not a flash in the pan? Can Middlesbrough fulfil the new optimism inspired by Steve McClaren's exciting summer signings? Can Sunderland do enough not only to cheer up Peter Reid but also to save him from the sack?

In Division Three, can Hartlepool live up to their billing as title contenders? Can Darlington make the doubters eat their words in the last season at Feethams?

We hope the answer to each of those questions is "yes" because success for our football clubs has far-reaching benefits for the region. It lifts the collective spirit and provides an economic boost.

But whether silverware is won or not, we also hope that football is kept in the right perspective. Bill Shankly, great manager that he was, got it wrong when he said football was more important than life or death.

Footballers, particularly those at the mind-boggling upper end of the pay scale, should remember how privileged they are to be playing a game that gives them pop star status.

Those who tarnish the name of the sport, most recently the reprehensible Roy Keane - a man who brought shame on his country during the World Cup, then flagged up his malevolent nature in a book - should take stock.

As the nation holds its breath over missing Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, we should all reflect on what is really important.

Lifetime of scars

IT is hard to imagine the torment that the children of Joseph Kernachan were forced to endure.

Ordered to eat their pet rabbit, beaten with sticks, forced to stand in the freezing cold - our hearts go out to them.

We trust they are now being given the love and care they so desperately need, but it will take a lifetime for them to be free of their psychological scars.

Kernachan, who does not deserve the title "father", will be free in less than two years. Where is the justice in that