The fans have had their say on EFL #FixtureReleaseDay, but the excitement doesn’t stop there. Players and managers from all 72 clubs have been giving their reaction after the 2017/18 schedule was revealed.
Sky Bet Championship:
Leeds United’s new man in charge was only appointed last week, and met the press on Monday. But it’s straight to business for the former Spain international Thomas Christiansen.
He’s reacted to his side’s opening weekend trip to Bolton Wanderers, which will be played out in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
? "We will be ready" @T9Christiansen gives us his thoughts on the opening day fixture. What's your thoughts on the fixture list? pic.twitter.com/u4JfQCcyHi
— Leeds United (@LUFC) June 21, 2017
Newly promoted Millwall open their campaign away at Nottingham Forest, and it seems #FixtureReleaseDay has given some the bug to get back out on the pitch.
Fixtures out! Can't wait to get going now @SkyBetChamp ⚽️?
— AidenObrien?_ﾟﾏﾼ♂️ (@AidenObrien22) June 21, 2017
One of the eye-catching ties from the opening weekend in the Championship sees Steve Bruce face his former side Hull City, another fixture live on Sky Sports. Bruce took the Tigers up via the Play-Offs the last time they were in the division.
Fixtures out = pre season just around the corner. Exciting start away at Villa Park ⚽️
— Tom Huddlestone (@Huddz8) June 21, 2017
Burton Albion begin their second season in the Sky Bet Championship with a home fixture against Cardiff City.
Winger Lucas Akins can’t wait to get started. “You can’t help but have a little smile on your face when you see the fixtures,” he explained. “It whets your appetite for getting back out there and doing what you love the most.”
Read more: Click here to read Akins’ thoughts in full
Sky Bet League One:
Wigan open up their campaign away at Milton Keynes Dons following their relegation, and the two sides have never met in an EFL fixture. It was another match that caught the eye of Latics midfielder Michael Jacobs, though, who's readying himself for a return to Sixfields and his boyhood club Northampton Town to kick-off the New Year.
Looking forward to getting back at it ?_ﾟﾑﾍ? @ntfc away New Year's Day as well ? https://t.co/JKnZEkeIPS
— Michael Jacobs (@mjacobs18) June 21, 2017
Wigan chairman, David Sharpe, also had his say on the season opener.
First league meeting between us and @MKDonsFC. Great stadium to get us under way for 17/18. Let's take a big following!! ?￢ﾚﾪ️ pic.twitter.com/ezpKFFnStC
— David Sharpe (@DavidSharpe91) June 21, 2017
Scunthorpe United begin their campaign at home to AFC Wimbledon, and Iron striker Paddy Madden can’t wait for the big kick-off at Glanford Park, picking out the games he’s looking forward to most.
“It gives the fans more reason to be excited when you begin the season at home. It will be a tough game, as the first game of the season always is.”
Read more: Paddy Madden has his say on the 17/18 campaign
Peterborough United boss Grant McCann has had his say on the Posh’s fixtures, and he’s picked out the festive period as a potentially tough time for his side.
“Christmas is always a part of the season that fans are immediately drawn to and we have a difficult trip to Bradford City on Boxing Day. Bradford have lost a number of their players, but I am sure they will recruit well.”
Read more: Grant McCann has his say on his side’s fixtures
Sky Bet League Two:
Chesterfield begin their Sky Bet League Two season with a home fixture against Grimsby, and manager Gary Caldwell admits a home start is one for the fans to look forward to.
Gary Caldwell on Fixtures: https://t.co/DN4iRZnikF via @YouTube
— Chesterfield FC (@ChesterfieldFC) June 21, 2017
The 2017/2018 season marks Forest Green Rovers’ inaugural EFL campaign, and Rovers boss Mark Cooper can’t wait to get going.