LONDON - Newcastle open their first Championship campaign for 16 years with a trip to West Bromwich Albion when the Football League season kicks off on August 8.

The managerless Magpies will hope to have a boss, possibly Alan Shearer, installed by the time they travel to the Hawthorns, and then take on Reading in their first match at St James' Park a week later.

Newcastle have to wait until December 19 for a home derby date with Middlesbrough with the return at the Riverside Stadium on March 13. A trip to QPR awaits Newcastle on the final day on May 2.

Middlesbrough have been handed a tricky opener as they entertain Sheffield United, who were beaten in the Championship play-off final by Burnley.

A trip to Swansea follows for Gareth Southgate's side before they take on promoted Scunthorpe at Glanford Park. Boro also finish the campaign on the road with a trip to League One champions Leicester.

Having been given a home clash with Newcastle to kick off their return to the Championship, West Brom then head to Nottingham Forest.

Leicester mark their return to the Championship at the first attempt with a home clash against Swansea which is followed by tricky games at Ipswich and Sheffield United.

Peterborough, automatically promoted from League One along with Leicester, start to life in the Championship as they head to Derby before home games against Sheffield Wednesday and West Brom.

Scunthorpe, who beat Millwall in the play-off final, travel to Cardiff on the opening day before a home game against Derby.