Wanderers will kick off life in the Premiership with three successive away games.

In the first six weeks of the new season they will play only twice at the Reebok Stadium.

But what a cracking home start with full houses expected when Everton, the first league visitors to Burnden Park in 1895, become the first visiting team on Saturday August 30 followed by Manchester United on September 20.

Wanderers open the season at Southampton on August 9 but that's immediately followed by a two week break because of World Cup commitments until August 23 when they go to Coventry and a midweek visit to Barnsley on August 26.

Wanderers asked for an away game to start the season because of the uncertainty of the Reebok Stadium being finished but they are assuring the fans it will be ready for the Everton visit.

Colin Todd is not downhearted by the trio of away trips although he did admit today that it wasn't the ideal start.

"In some senses it is unfortunate but circumstances have dictated that we've had to take an away game to start with and by the time August 30 comes I'm sure the supporters will be champing at the bit to see us at the new ground.

"Three away games to start with is a challenge but it's one we are capable of dealing with."

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