With West Brom departing these parts for a season long holiday it was pleasing to see another of our main rivals, Wolves come back into the division and a home tie against these to kick off the season is the best possible start we could have asked for.
Three days later sees the first away trip to Bramall Lane to take on Sheffield United followed by another away trip and certain defeat to Rotherham United to wrap up a tough opening week in the new 'Championship'.
Other ties that Potters fans are likely to be looking out for include the trip to Elland road on Tuesday 28th September, another boxing day home game versus Preston North End, a New Years day fixture at Nottingham Forest's City Ground as well as a final day fixture away at the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland.
However the two fixtures against Burnley probably represent the two fixtures Potters will be most looking forward to and the two fixtures their new boss Steve Cotterill should be fearing the most after he left the Potteries in such acrimonious cirmumstances. The away fixture takes place on Saturday 25th September whilst the return leg takes place on Monday 3rd January.
This season represents a tough challenge for Tony Pulis and his men as they seek to build on a very succesful last season. There are once again some big sides about and if Stoke are to make a serious push for the play-offs, they will be hoping for a good start to the season, starting with a victory over Wolves!
For the full list of fixtures, visit the official website by clicking here