Newcastle boss Alan Shearer

NEWCASTLE begin life in the Coca-Cola Championship with a trip to another side eager to reclaim their Premier League status in the shape of West Brom when the Football League kicks off on Saturday, August 8.

The Magpies then take on Reading in their first match at St James' Park a week later.

They have to wait until December 19 for a home derby date with Middlesbrough with the return at the Riverside Stadium on March 13. A trip to QPR awaits Newcastle on the final day on May 2.