Blackburn Rovers boss Gary Bowyer cannot wait for the start of the Sky Bet Championship season, after seeing the fixtures announced.
Blackburn kick-off their campaign with a game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 8th August and Bowyer is already counting down the days.“It feels like this has been a long time coming,” the 43-year-old told the club’s official site. “It’s great because it means we are getting closer to the new season.
“The players are back in for pre-season on 30th June and the excitement starts now. I can’t wait to get going again.
“We have a very difficult game against Wolves on the opening day, but we are pleased to be at home.
“They had a fabulous season last time out under Kenny Jackett, who was brilliant for them. I’m sure with the resources they have available they will be strengthening further over the summer.
“So we know they will be strong, but it is up to us to prepare ourselves and be ready for it."
After Blackburn take on Wolves, their supporters’ attentions will turn to the rest of the fixture list and two dates stand-out in their calendar.
The relegation of Burnley from the Premier League and the promotion of Preston North End from Sky Bet League 1 means that Blackburn have two Lancashire derbies to look forward to, and Bowyer is excited to try and take the local bragging rights.
“As far as local matches are concerned, we have lost Blackpool and Wigan, but we gained two more in Burnley and Preston," he said.
"The fans love these kind of games and I’m sure they were the first fixtures they looked out for."