Town boss Mick McCarthy says the Blues have been handed a "tough start" to the season with a visit to Brentford up first on Saturday 8th August. The 2015/16 fixtures were released at 9am this morning.
"It’s going to be a tough start but we had a good result the last time we went there,” McCarthy told the club site recalled Boxing Day’s 4-2 victory over the Bees at Griffin Park.
"Both sides are coming into the season having lost in the play-offs and both will be wanting to push on again.
"It’s a competitive league, the Championship. You’ve got the teams that have come down with their parachute payments and you’ve still got the likes of Fulham and Cardiff who you’d expect to be stronger this time around. But I’m excited, definitely!
"I’ve had a lovely break but it’s back to reality now and when the fixtures come out, that’s when you want to get going again.
"We’re back in training in a couple of weeks and the fixtures coming out is a reminder of that. A reminder that there’s work to be done and I’ll be looking forward to getting back with the lads and the staff.”
Meanwhile, midfielder Paul Anderson says he's no clearer on where he'll be playing football in 2015/16. The 26-year-old's contract is up and Town are yet to offer him new terms, although manager McCarthy hasn't ruled out the former Bristol City man remaining at Portman Road.
He tweeted: "Looking forward to getting back into training and getting ready for the new season. Still no clue as to where but fixtures have got me ready."
Wigan are understood to be the frontrunners for his signature, while Fulham have also shown strong interest and Birmingham have been linked.