John Welsh is pleased Preston North End will start the 2014/15 season at Deepdale but believes Notts County will provide a stern test.
The Lilywhites discovered they will face Shaun Derry’s side on opening day, Saturday 9th August, when the fixtures were announced on Wednesday morning.
The Preston skipper is looking forward to seeing the Club’s fans back at Deepdale but expects the Magpies to be tough opponents.
“It’s always nice, it gives you a good platform to get Deepdale packed out, get everyone excited and crack on with the new season,” Welsh told PNE.Com in an exclusive interview.
“No game is ever going to be easy in this league, it’s a funny old league, and has been since I have been playing in it.
“Whether you’re top or near the bottom, results seem to surprise you every week and team surprise you.”
Simon Grayson’s side have been away from football since their Play-Off loss to Rotherham United last month but Welsh says he is now desperate for the new season to get underway.
“We’ve been starved of football, playing it, and the fans will be desperate to get back to Deepdale and get behind us,” he said.
“It will be a great occasion, first game at home is always a positive thing where we can get Deepdale packed out, get the fans excited again and give us a good platform to go on and progress through the league.”