Scott Parker may be enjoying a deserved summer break but the launch of the 2010/11 fixtures and new faces at the club has turned thoughts firmly to the forthcoming campaign.
While the FIFA World Cup is dominating the back pages, it has also been a busy summer at the Boleyn Ground, with new manager Avram Grant and Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger the first of what is expected to be a series of high-profile arrivals.
With extensive experience in this country and abroad, Parker believes the presence of both will be of great benefit to the club.
"I have not met the new manager yet, but obviously he has impressed the Chairmen with the very good jobs he has done at other clubs," Parker told whufc.com. "I am looking forward to meeting Avram and talking to him about his ideas and what he wants to bring to the club.
"I remember playing against Thomas when he was with Villa and he has got a very good shot on him. He is a very good addition to the squad. Players like Thomas can only improve us and are the type we all want to see coming in."
Before pre-season training starts on 5 July, Parker is enjoying some time out with his family. The Hammer of the Year just missed out on the final England squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup but his omission has a silver lining.
Not only will the 29-year-old have the opportunity to put his feet up following a draining 2009/10 campaign, but he will also enjoy some much-valued quality time with his wife and three young sons.
"My summers have changed so much since I was younger! Before I had children, I used to go away for the whole summer, but now things are different. As anyone who has children knows, you have to be there to take them to school and pick them up and your plans have to fit around their school holidays.
"Basically, I'll be trying to recharge my batteries and have some time to relax with my family before preparing to return for pre-season and get ready for the new season."
While he is naturally disappointed to have missed out on playing at the World Cup, Parker has been keeping a close eye on events in South Africa - including club-mate Robert Green's unfortunate error against the United States on Saturday.
As a fellow professional and a friend, the midfielder is confident the goalkeeper has all the mental and physical tools needed to put the incident behind him.
"As everybody has said and Rob has said himself, he has made a mistake and he has fronted up. I heard someone say that, in football, midfielders or centre-backs make umpteen mistakes in a game, but they rarely lead to goals for the other team. When you play in goal, one mistake in a game can be a massive deal.
"I have played with Rob for three years now and I know he will be able to handle it. Everybody knows what a good goalkeeper he is and I am sure he will be able to come back and he will be fine.
"Rob has got bundles of experience and been around the game at the top level for a long time. He is a mature character and I am sure he has got his way of dealing with things."