Leeds United manager Simon Grayson is eyeing a tough opening month to the new npower Championship season, following the release of the fixtures on Friday.

United start with the long trip to Southampton, followed by keenly fought home games against Middlesbrough and Hull City. The month is rounded off with trips to West Ham and Ipswich Town.

"It's a tough start," said the Leeds boss. "But there's no easy games, so it's a good start and one that we're really looking forward to now we know.

"Southampton have just come up, they will have momentum with them, and they will be looking to make an impression on the division. Then there's two local-ish derby matches with Boro and Hull. They are two sides who will be looking to go a stage better this season.

"West Ham have just come down and that will be a cracking test for us and, as everyone knows, Ipswich is never the easiest place to go whenever you play them."

With a trip to Brighton coming in September, United will travel some miles during the opening weeks of the campaign.

"There's some long trips this season, but we do get a few out of the way early doors," said the boss. "The one good thing from our point of view is that we don't have any long midweek aways. I think the furthest we go is Birmingham. That's really good for the fans."

The Christmas period also looks more favourable than last season in terms of games. In 2010/11, United played five games in 18 days, but this season sees four in 17 days.

"It certainly looks an easier period in terms of games," said the boss. "Last year was ridiculous to some extent, but this year will be better in terms of recovery for the players.

"I'm disappointed we're not at home on Boxing Day - I always like the atmosphere here on Boxing Day - but Derby isn't too far and neither is Barnsley on New Year's Eve, so again that's good for the fans."

CLICK HERE TO SEE LEEDS UNITED'S 2011/12 FIXTURES

While Grayson's first glances looked for the start, the finish, the Christmas games, and the midweek matches, the two games against Blackpool were also on his agenda.

We face the manager's former club at Elland Road on Tuesday November 1 before travelling to Bloomfield Road on Tuesday April 17 for the first of a run-in that sees us travel to Cardiff the following Saturday before signing off against Leicester on Saturday April 28.

"On a personal level I did look for Blackpool," added the boss. "It could be worse than going there on a Tuesday in April. It is a game I'm looking forward to because I have fond memories of my time there.

"It's an interesting finish because after Blackpool, we have Cardiff and Leicester and they will all be sides who will be fancying themselves for promotion."