Bradford City will open the 1998-99 season with a home clash against Stockport County on August 8.

The Bantams played the same opposition in the opening game of last season when Gary Megson's side were starting a campaign in Division One for the first time in 60 years.

County were one of the pre-season favourites for relegation but had a great nine months and were in contention for the play-offs for much of the campaign.

The Bantams enjoyed a great start to last season with a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Rob Steiner and Edinho on a baking hot day. The game will also be new signing Stuart McCall's first competitive game in City colours for ten years.

And after facing County on the opening day, City will play the first leg of their Coca Cola Cup first round game in midweek before travelling to newly promoted Watford on the second Saturday of the season.

Graham Taylor's side clinched the Second Division championship last season and the game offers a possible early return to Vicarage Road for old boy Craig Ramage.

Ramage was a big success as a goalscoring midfielder at Watford following a move from Derby County and will be keen to make a big impression if selected.

Seven days later record signing John McGinlay's former side Bolton Wanderers are the visitors to Valley Parade while City will also face two long trips in midweek - Ipswich (September 8) and Portsmouth (October 20).

Other notable dates early in the season include a visit to Valley Parade for Birmingham City on Saturday August 31 before the Bantams travel to Huddersfield Town for their West Yorkshire derby on November 21. The return clash with the Terriers at Valley Parade will take place on April 17. On Boxing Day the Bantams will face relegated Bolton Wanderers at their new Reebok Stadium

City will finish their season with a trip to Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have already been installed as one of the favourites for promotion in what is sure to be a competitive division.

Leeds United begin their Premiership campaign at Middlesbrough on August 15.

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