I may have only been training with my new club, Seattle Sounders, for over a week but already I can sense this is a franchise that's really going places.

We've been training at the same complex as the Seattle Seahawks, who are our part-owners, and as you can imagine the facilities are out of this world, complete with steam rooms, hot tubs and jacuzzis.

From what I've seen so far I think the team will enjoy a lot more support from our organisers than the New England Revolution experienced from theirs.

Our owners sat down with us earlier this week for a 30-minute chat about what they expect from us before reassuring that they would provide us with the tools needed to give us the best chance of success.

There's been a real good vibe running through the team during pre-season training and we've all been made to feel part of something exciting and new.

Compared to Boston, which had so many successful sports franchises, Seattle is not as well represented other than our NFL team, the Seahawks, so I think there's a really good market for us to exploit.

We've already sold 20,000 season tickets and I think that explains just how excited the city is about this expansion club.

This week I've been sorting out my new accommodation and I feel like I've settled in really well. It's a beautiful city and not as cold as Boston – I'm feeling very positive about this move and I'm determined to make my mark as a Sounder. I really think this club can become an MLS powerhouse.

Last week was pretty easy going in training but today was a lot harder and it was obvious that the real work has now started.

I know a lot of the players already from playing against them in the MLS but obviously it's going to take us time to gel as a team.

Already it's evident that our 'keeper Kasey Keller is a born leader and his experience is clear for all to see. He has so much Premier League experience and I think he'll be a huge player for us.

Then there's former Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg who is injured at the moment and undergoing treatment in Sweden.

We've also signed a couple of exciting youngsters including Steve Zakuani who we selected in the first pick of the MLS SuperDraft. I read that he turned down a bigger offer from Preston North End in England and that shows that we're bringing in the right kind of players.

We also heard some major news this week – we will be playing Chelsea FC in July in a friendly in Seattle, which has obviously whetted all the players' appetites.

I gather our organisers are also working on bringing in a major, major European club for a game so watch this space!

See you at the corner flag!