Clarets reserve team boss Ronnie Jepson will find himself in the company of Huddersfield Town in the near future - but not as the McAlpine Stadium boss.

Jepson had been linked with the vacant managerial position with his former club as they sought to replace Lou Macari, who was sacked last month.

The striker, who was a fans' favourite while with the Terriers, had played down speculation and said last week that he was happy to stay at Turf Moor.

However, he will be meeting his former Huddersfield colleagues as early as next month as his Burnley reserves side will open their Avon Insurance Premier League campaign against the Terriers.

The clash is at Turf Moor on Wednesday August 21and Jepson will be hoping for a good start to the season as his side aim to imporve on last term's disappointment in the title race.

Victory over Preston in their final game would have brought Jepson, in his first season as a coach after hanging up his boots at the end of the 2000-01 season, but North End's 2-0 win took the crown to Deepdale.

The Clarets first away trip should see them travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the second game of the season, but that game will have to be re-arranged as it was scheduled for Monday, August 26 - the day before the first team take on Reading at the Madjeski Stadium.

A new addition to the Premier League this season is Walsall who replace midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City whose sides are now playing in the Premier Reserve League.

AVON INSURANCE

PREMIER LEAGUE 2002-03

All games kick off

7.00pm unless stated

August

Wed 21...Huddersfield T (H)

September

Wed 4...Sheffield Utd (H)

Wed 18...Bury (A, 2pm)

October

Tues 15...Oldham Ath (A)

Weds 30...Tranmere R (H)

November

Weds 13...Barnsley (H)

Weds 27...Rotherham Utd (A)

December

Weds 4...Preston NE (H)

Weds 11...Walsall (A, 2pm)

January

Weds 8...Huddersfield T (A)

Weds 15...Wolves (H)

Weds 29...Sheffield Utd (A)

February

Weds 5...Bury (H)

Weds 26...Tranmere R (A)

March

Weds 12...Oldham Ath (H)

Weds 26...Barnsley (A)

April

Weds 2...Rotherham Utd (H)

Weds 16...Preston NE (A)

Weds 23...Walsall (H)

TBA...Wolves (A)