Gary Johnson surveyed the Coca-Cola Championship line-up for 2009/10 and declared: "The Premier League has come to us."

Burnley's victory over Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final at Wembley brought the English football league season.

And City's manager now knows the 23 opponents his side will face in the new season, which begins on Saturday, August 8th.

Asked if the 2009/10 line-up represents a tougher challenge than his side faced in the season just gone, Gary admitted: "Definitely, there can be no doubts about it."

He continued in an exclusive interview with bcfc.co.uk: "If you wait around long enough the Premier League comes to you and that's exactly what has happened!

"Middlesbrough and Newcastle United are now in the Championship after long stays at the top level, along with West Brom - who were champions of our division 12 months ago.

"On top of that you've got the teams who went so close this season; the play-off finalists Sheffield United, plus Reading and Preston North End.

"At the other end you've got Scunthorpe coming up and they'll be determined to fare better this time out, and Leicester and Peterborough will be strong too.

"It's going to be another tough season in the Championship, but an exciting one as well."

Of Burnley's elevation to the top table of English football, Gary added: "We have to say congratulations to them. I think Burnley deserved to win on the day.

"Burnley have had a fantastic season, including a terrific Carling Cup run, and they've given their supporters plenty of enjoyable moments."

The new fixture list is due to be released on bcfc.co.uk at 10am on Wednesday, June 17th.

View the full list of teams for the 2009/10 Coca-Cola Championship season by clicking here.