Forest's Royals opener

Reading take on Calderwood's men on first day of season

Last updated: 16th June 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Forest's Royals opener

Coppell: Facing Forest on opening day

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Relegated Reading have been handed a tricky trip to newly-promoted Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the Coca-Cola Championship season.

Steve Coppell's Royals were relegated on the final day of last season despite a 4-0 win at Derby, and will line up on the opening day against a side who were automatically promoted courtesy of a 3-2 win over Yeovil.

Forest spent three seasons at League One level after being relegated in 2005, and face a trip to League One champions Swansea in their second game of the season.

But Forest fans will be rushing to put the dates of 1st November and 21st February in their diaries as that is when they face fierce rivals Derby.

Tricky start

The Swans themselves start with a trip to Charlton, their first trip to The Valley since 1983, while the third promoted team - Doncaster - also face a tricky start after being handed an opening day trip to relegated Derby.

The Rams set a Premier League record last season by collecting just 11 points from their 38 games, but will be looking to make a good start, while midfielder Paul Green could make his Derby debut against the club he has left this summer after more than 250 appearances.

Birmingham, the third team relegated from the top flight last season, begin their campaign with a clash against Sheffield United, who just missed out on a place in the play-offs last season.

Bristol City, beaten in the play-off final by Hull City, begin at Blackpool, while the two beaten semi-finalists - Crystal Palace and Watford - clash at Selhurst Park, while FA Cup finalists Cardiff kick off at home to Southampton.

QPR kick off at home to Barnsley, while Plymouth host Wolves in a reverse of the final fixture of last season.

Elsewhere, Coventry host Norwich, Ipswich take on Preston and Burnley travel to Sheffield Wednesday.

Click below on each club for a full list of their fixtures:

Barnsley

Birmingham City

Blackpool

Bristol City

Burnley

Cardiff City

Charlton Athletic

Coventry City

Crystal Palace

Derby County

Doncaster Rovers

Ipswich Town

Norwich City

Nottingham Forest

Plymouth Argyle

Preston North End

Queens Park Rangers

Reading

Sheffield United

Sheffield Wednesday

Southampton

Swansea City

Watford

Wolverhampton Wanderers