BLACKPOOL face the toughest possible start to their 2003/2004 second division campaign with a tough away trip to QPR.

The Seasiders have lost their last three games against the London side, who start as one of the favourites for the title after losing out in last season's play-off final.

The first Bloomfield Road game is against Wycombe the following Saturday, with a trip to another team who missed out on the play-offs, Oldham Athletic, to follow on Saturday, August 23.

The August Bank Holiday game against Barnsley should draw a healthy crowd, while former Seasiders skipper, Paul Groves, brings his Grimsby Town side to Bloomfield Road on Tuesday, September 30.

A highlight of the season could be the trip to Hillsborough on Saturday, November 1 to face relegated Sheffield Wednesday.

Tranmere Rovers visit Bloomfield Road on Boxing Day and the other festive fixture, on Sunday, December 28, takes Steve McMahon's side to promoted Wrexham.

With no New Year's Day fixture this year, Blackpool welcome 2004 with a trip to Barnsley or an FA Cup third round tie on January 3.

The season ends with an intriguing run in, starting on Easter Monday when Blackpool visit Grimsby. Sheffield Wednesday visit the Seasiders on April 17, before an away fixture at Chesterfield on April 24 and a final home game with Peterborough on May 1.

The season ends as last season began with a trip to Ashton Gate to visit Bristol City.