Huddersfield Town

“Every fan looks forward to the day the new fixtures get released and I’m sure everyone is pouring over the details now to see what the first games are, where their team plays over the festive period and how the run-in looks. I am no different; I was eagerly awaiting them, as I’m sure our players were,” Mark told htafc.com.

The fixture computer has thrown up an opening day game at home to AFC Bournemouth, which Mark knows will be a good challenge for the side; the two teams came away from last season’s games honours even after a home win apiece.

Mark continued: “We’ve got a home start this season, in contrast to last season’s opening game on the road at Nottingham Forest. We recorded a great result at home to Bournemouth last year, but they improved as the season progressed, finishing strongly, and I’d expect them to step up again next season as they bring players in; they have plenty of financial resource behind them. They were willing to spend last season and have already been linked with players to replace striker Lewis Grabban. 

“After that we have three consecutive away games in the space of eight days with the Capital One Cup game at Chesterfield and the League games at Cardiff and Reading. Cardiff and Reading have very recently been in the Premier League and this is why we are in this division – to compete against clubs of that stature. That’s a tough schedule, but they are all really good games that we can embrace and look forward to. In the previous seasons our games against them both have been close and hard fought.

“When you look through the new Championship fixtures, the division looks as tough as ever with strong teams that have come down from the Premier League and the likes of Wolves re-entering the division from below. You never know how things will play out once the games begin, but we’re really looking forward to the challenge, that’s for sure.”