Norwich City begin 2010/11 season at home to Watford

Malky Mackay's Watford will provide the opening day opposition as Norwich City kick off with a home fixture on their return to the Championship.

The Hornets will be at Carrow Road on Saturday, August 7, as Paul Lambert's League One champions take on the side managed by one of the Canaries' Nationwide League title-winners of 2004.

After a Carling Cup first round tie at home to Gillingham on August 10, City visit Scunthorpe United on August 14 for their first away match.

Watford's visit adds a dash of spice to the opening day with the return of one of the Canaries' most popular players of modern times.

Scotland centre-half Mackay made 232 appearances for City, scoring 17 goals, in six years with the club. He skippered them in the 2002 play-off final against Birmingham and was a key figure in their promotion campaign two seasons later.

After finishing his playing career with Watford, he had a spell as caretaker manager at Vicarage Road, but was given the job on a permanent basis when Brendan Rogers resigned 12 months ago.

The Hornets were in relegation trouble for much of last season, but pulled clear to finish 16th in the Championship.

Watford were beaten 2-0 on their last visit to Carrow Road in April 2009, City's penultimate home match in the Championship before relegation.

At least one of City's senior squad will be looking forward to the possibility of taking on his former club, with winger Anthony McNamee starting his career with six years at Watford.

Clubs have until June 25 to liaise with opponents over any date changes, while Sky TV are expected to announce their early selections for live coverage in the same period,

t For Norwich City's 2010/11 Championship fixture list in full go to www.pinkun.com