Padraig Amond is targeting another good year on the pitch with Waterford after describing his time since returning to Ireland as "the best two years of my life".
The evergreen striker was top scorer in the Premier Division last year in what was at times a difficult season for the Blues.
He will turn 37 early in the 2026 campaign but has shown no signs of slowing down, particularly when chances are presented in the box.
The Carlow man described last year as "really disappointing" in the context of Waterford's campaign as they required a play-off to keep their spot in the top flight.
Jon Daly has taken over since that win against Bray Wanderers, and recruited a number of new players.
Eleven have come in, with 14 departing, so there is a new look to the Blues.
Amond is encouraged by the early signs: "This season is exciting to look forward to.
"The manager been excellent. It has been really, really enjoyable. From the first day I spoke to him he said that he wanted to change a lot of things and he's done that. He's changed a lot of the players. It's a big turnaround and he's brought in a very good assistant manager in Richard Foster to add to the staff that we already have and so far it's been really good.
"He's trying to implement the style that he wants us to play with and we're excited to try and do that. I’m really looking forward to the season starting. I think if you ask any footballer, pre-season is the time that no one really likes. Obviously you've got to work hard in pre-season but you just want to play games. We're all just looking forward to the season getting going."
Clubs that have settled teams are usually those occupying the top places in the Premier Division, with rebuilding jobs often taking time.
Amond is keeping an open mind on whether Waterford can hit the ground running given the turnover in the squad.
"Only time will tell I suppose. I’ve been at clubs where it's just happened overnight and it's just happened organically, I've been at clubs where it's taken a little bit longer but ultimately as long as it kind of happens, that's the main thing.
"We've been living in each other's pockets for the last seven weeks since we've come back in pre-season and it's been really good.
"We're trying to make sure that we're looking forward and not behind like we were last year and we want to look at the likes of Drogheda from a couple of years ago when they won the FAI Cup and then kicked on last year in the league and that's what we ultimately want to do - try and break into that upper half of the table."
Amond had interest from Dublin clubs in the off-season, with top-four sides looking to bring the striker in due to his success in the league since returning home.
Waterford have insisted Amond is not for sale and so a third year awaits at the RSC.
The time so far has been special for the 36-year-old.
Now a father of two, being back in familiar surroundings has made it all the better.
"The last two years have been the best two years of my life. Back home, my wife is from Carlow as well. And we're around both sides of the family, nieces and nephews, granny and grandads, stuff like that. It's great to have that little support network as well. We've really enjoyed it, it's great to be home. There's no place like home, as they always say.
"When things are going well on the pitch that helps things. But at the end of the day, when you've got a lovely family to go home to as well, that is the most important thing."
It was a remarkable feat for such a senior player to be top scorer in the league last term.
Now approaching two decades as a professional footballer, Amond said there is no formula for his longevity, except hard work.
"In terms of myself, I just keep working as hard as I can, keep training as hard as I can and I'm ready to go on a Friday night.
"I think it's the trust of the manager and the coach and staff and the S&C coach have in me to know my own body as well. I think it's really important and I think that's why I've probably been able to play as long as I have.
"I think running around with the kids at home keeps you young and playing with young players as well.
"It's a little bit difficult in the dressing room when it comes to them talking about certain things. I'm kind of very, very far away from that, but to be fair all the younger lads have always included me in everything.
"They ask my advice on things and I'll ask their advice on some of the other things and they'll keep me young that way."
