OXFORD United supporters will be hoping to kick off the new season at home when the Sky Bet League One fixtures come out tomorrow – except chairman Darryl Eales.
For the first time in 15 years the U’s will take their place in the third tier, following automatic promotion in May.
Their schedule will be unveiled at 9am, alongside the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Charlton Athletic and Sheffield United.
Key dates such as the derby games with Swindon Town will stand out alongside fixtures at Christmas, Easter and the opening day.
Michael Appleton’s side have kicked off at home for the past two seasons and the vast majority will have their fingers crossed for a Kassam Stadium hat-trick on August 6.
But the date means something else to Eales, who may well end up missing United’s opener due to a family wedding in the Midlands.
He said: “That is a bit of a problem for me and my daughter (Harriet) knows this – what a day to pick for a wedding.
“I’m hoping it’s Coventry away, then I can walk her down the aisle, drive to the game and be back for the speeches.”
In a change from routine, the first round draw for the League Cup is also due to be announced on the same day as the fixtures.
Although the wait goes on for United’s first signing of the summer, it has not put off the bookmakers.
Appleton’s side may be new to the division, but they are fancied to handle the step-up in quality.
The latest betting has them joint sixth favourites at 5/1 to win promotion, the same as Bolton. The other two clubs relegated from the Championship, Charlton and MK Dons, are just ahead, while Millwall and Bradford City are tipped to bounce back strongly from defeats in the play-offs.
Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United are seen as the favourites.
LEAGUE ONE PROMOTION ODDS
Leading contenders: 9-4 Sheffield United; 7-2 Millwall; 15-4 Bradford; 4-1 Charlton, MK Dons; 5-1 Bolton, Oxford United.
The ox head crest, brought back initially as a one-off last season, will remain after United fans voted overwhelmingly in favour for the design to stay.
It was brought back to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the club’s Milk Cup victory, but proved very popular.
In a poll, 91 per cent of fans wanted to see it retained.
l To view United’s league fixture list in full, visit oxfordmail.co.uk/sport from 9am tomorrow.
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