It's a tough start for Championship newcomers Doncaster Rovers who make a first ever visit to Pride Park to face relegated Derby County.

A tough opener too for Barnsley who go to cash-rich Queens Park Rangers who, expected to spend big, spenders, will be among the hot favourites for promotion.

For the full fixtures list, see tonight's Star.

The city clubs won't have to wait too long for the first Sheffield derby this time - it will be on October 18 at Hillsborough.

The Bramall Lane return is on February 7.

The build-up to the first derby will be a long one - the previous Saturday is blank for international weekend.

Wednesday get the Boxing Day home date, although hardly attractive - Blackpool. United will be away to Wolves that day.

The first South Yorkshire derby of the dozen there will be next season will be a big day for Doncaster Rovers - they will host Sheffield United at the Keepmoat Stadium on Tuesday, September 30.

Wednesday follow up their Blades derby with another one - against Barnsley at Oakwell just three days later on Tuesday, October 21.

Doncaster also get a double derby date. After hosting the Blades, they then go to Oakwell the following Saturday.

Chesterfield start at Barnet and their first home game is against Bury, managed by former Spireites No 2 Alan Knill.

Meanwhile, United manager Kevin Blackwell travelled to Sao Paulo today to meet with officials from the former World Club champions. United and their Brazilian counterparts recently signed a co-operation agreement aimed at improving the development of young players and the trip is designed to cement that relationship.



READ MORE
Football headlines.
Football gossip.
More Blades
More Owls.
More Spireites.
More Rovers.
More Reds.
More Millers.
More rugby.
More boxing.
Sports columnists.
All sport categories