THE harsh reality of relegation to the Championship dawned on Charlton as the fixture list threw up an opening day clash with Scunthorpe.

Last season's League 1 champions visit The Valley - which hosted the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea last season - on August 11.

The club does not have to wait long for the first derby with bitter rivals Crystal Palace. The Addicks travel to Selhurst Park, a stadium they once called home, on September 1.

Former manager Iain Dowie also lies in wait in September, with Charlton visiting Coventry's Ricoh Stadium on the last Saturday of the month.

The Eagles make the short return trip on February 9 while, intruigingly, the Addicks host Coventry on the last day of the season.

Fans will also be asked to make a number of gruelling Tuesday night trips before 2007 is out, with visits to Hull (October 2), Bristol City (November 6) and Cardiff (December 4).

In 2008, midweek fixtures include visits to Sheffield Wednesday (February 12) and Burnley (March 11).

Boxing Day sees an away trip to Norwich, while Colchester come to The Valley on New Year's Day.

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