Gary Johnson vowed to give City supporters something to cheer as they prepare to travel for first and last games of the 2009/10 season.

The new season's fixture list was unveiled at 10am this morning, handing City a tough looking trip to Preston North End for the opening game.

City will also be away on Boxing Day, at Queens Park Rangers, and on the final day of the campaign at Blackpool.

 Fixture List: Full details of the 2009/10 release
BCFC Blog: Fixture analysis for 2009/10

Reacting to the news, Gary exclusively told bcfc.co.uk: "Of course everything evens itself out over the course of the season, there are 23 home games and 23 away ones.

"However, it is a little disappointing to find out we're away on the opening day, Boxing Day and the final day for the second season running!

"The fixture computer spits out these games randomly but it's clearly not a City fan!"

He added: "Our away form last season was okay, so I suppose it isn't too bad in that case. We just need to improve our home form, turning those draws into wins.

"We've got long journeys to start and end the season, so we've got to make sure we give our supporters - who will travel in big numbers - something to cheer about."

City can look forward to a first-ever trip to Cardiff's new stadium, followed by a home game with ex-Premier League side Middlesbrough.

The much-anticipated trip to Newcastle United is on October 3rd, with the return fixture at Ashton Gate on March 20th.

"There are some very big games in the Championship this season," Gary added. "There will be a few teams who, in their own minds, have to win promotion.

"We'll see how it all pans out come August."