Iron manager Graham Alexander has been providing immediate reaction to the release of the draft 2017-18 EFL League One fixtures.
United kick-off with a home game against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday, 5th August (3.00pm), and end their campaign with a home clash against Bradford City on Saturday, 5th May (5.30pm).
Alexander's full reaction can be seen on iFollow Iron.
ON A HOME START AND FIXTURE RELEASE DAY…
GA: It’s good for our supporters especially to see the team in action at Glanford Park so early. It’s always an exciting day when the fixtures come out and you scour it for the first fixture and then look at important fixtures throughout the calendar date-wise, and look at the long journeys you have to make - there’s only one in midweek.
ON THE LONG TRIPS…
GA: At least they’re spread out a bit this year. We found last year they were all bunched together towards the end of the season. It was a testing time for us all. However, you have to play everybody and go everywhere. We’re looking forward to it and it’s exciting for everyone.
ON FESTIVE FIXTURES…
GA: It’s difficult for the EFL to arrange these fixtures so everyone has a fair crack. It will be a test for our supporters to travel those distances at that time of year when everyone is on holiday and also bearing in mind the expense of Christmas for everybody with families. The locations of the games aren’t ideal, but it is difficult trying to juggle everyone’s expectations for the EFL.
ON THE SEASON IN GENERAL…
GA: We just want to go into the season trying to win every game possible and wherever it takes us it takes us. We won’t be prioritising any games differently to any others. We go into every game looking to win. We have some good games in pre-season that we’re looking forward to and that will give us a chance to prepare for the new season in a good way and give us an opportunity to blend the new players into the squad.