Ahead of the fixture release next week, we dig through our archives to look back at some classic opening day meetings
With the new EFL 2016/17 Championship fixtures set to be announced in a week's time, we take a look back at some classic opening day encounters involving the Blues in recent years...
Town kicked off their 2014/15 campaign with three points and a strong performance against recently relegated Fulham. Daryl Murphy got the ball rolling for Mick McCarthy’s side, before David McGoldrick added a second after the break. The west Londoners hit back later on but it wasn’t enough as the Blues took all three points live on Sky Sports.
The 2011/12 Championship campaign saw Town kick-off with a comfortable 3-0 win over Keith Millen’s Bristol City. A brace from summer signing Michael Chopra either side of a Lee Martin strike saw Paul Jewell’s men secure a perfect start to the new term.
The opening weekend of the 2012/13 Championship season saw Town hold recently relegated Blackburn Rovers to a 1-1 draw at Portman Road. An early goal for the visitors was not enough, as Town secured a share of the spoils courtesy of a late equaliser thanks to Jason Lowe’s own goal.
Town secured an impressive win away at title favourites Middlesbrough to kick off their 2010/11 campaign. Coming back from behind, Roy Keane’s men hit back with a quick fire double from Tommy Smith and Tamas Priskin, with substitute John Stead securing the 3 points on the 75th minute. Luke Hyam was handed his first-team debut in midfield.
The start of the 2015/16 season saw Town play away against previous season’s Play-Off semi-finalists Brentford. Goals from midfielders Kévin Bru and debutant Ryan Fraser either side of half-time saw Town take a comfortable lead. However, Mick McCarthy’s side suffered stoppage time heartache as the Bees struck twice in injury time to claim a share of the spoils.
