THE first day of the Premiership will see Middlesbrough and Newcastle lock horns in a Tees-Tyne derby.

But it is a week earlier when the action begins in the newly-named Coca-Cola League and Sunderland will start their quest for honours in the Championship by aiming to get one over former boss Peter Reid.

Reid, sacked by Sunderland in October 2002, is now in charge at Coventry City and it will be the first time the Black Cats have come across the former England midfielder since his departure.

The ex-Stadium of Light manager has also had a spell in charge of Leeds, but the trip to Highfield Road on August 7 promises to be an incredible occasion.

Black Cats' chief Mick McCarthy is relishing the contest: "It'll certainly be an interesting game, pairing us against a former manager. I thought Coventry were a good side last year and Reid will have them up for the game."

And Reid admits it is a dream start: "I couldn't have asked for any better. Sunderland fans will travel in their thousands and I'm looking forward to a great atmosphere.

"Despite a lot of what has been said and written by some people, the simple truth is that Sunderland is a club I have great affection for. I loved my time on Wearside and I just wish I could have kept the success of the early years going."

Reid enjoyed a successful seven-year reign on Wearside and he will make his return to the Stadium of Light, where he is sure to receive a mixed reception, on March 19.

One of the two games is sure to be considered for live TV coverage, but no decisions have been made.

Seven days after McCarthy has taken his squad to face Reid's new employers he must take his Sunderland side to the south coast for a difficult test at League One, formerly Division Two, champions Plymouth Argyle.

And, while that contest is going on at Home Park, the Premiership will be getting underway across the country with a frenetic opening on Teessside.

Sir Bobby Robson's Newcastle, who won the same fixture 1-0 last season, will open by making the 45-minute trip down the A19 to the Riverside.

It promises to be a big season for both clubs - who will also be competing in the UEFA Cup.

Managers Robson and Steve McClaren are on the look out for new players this summer and there is every likelihood that there will be a number of stars making their first league starts on the day.

The return game at St James' Park will take place on April 16.

After the opening day match-up at Boro, Newcastle's first home match will be against Tottenham, who will have France coach Jacques Santini in charge.

The visit of Manchester United to Tyneside comes on November 13 and two weeks later Everton will arrive with England's Euro 2004 hero Wayne Rooney in tow, providing he has not made a multi-million pound move by then.

But, perhaps like the visit to Liverpool on the last day of last season, the really critical match could be the match that brings the curtain down on next season when the Magpies welcome billionaires Chelsea to St James'- who are now managed by Robson's former right-hand man in Portugal, Jose Mourinho.

After the North-East derby on the first afternoon, Boro have a daunting trip to Arsenal on August 21.

The two clubs went head-to-head on five occasions last season and McClaren tasted victory twice - both en route to the Carling Cup final.

Big-spenders Chelsea are due at the Riverside on September 25, while McClaren makes another return to Manchester United to see mentor Sir Alex Ferguson on October 2. Boro end the season with a trip to the Kevin Keegan's Manchester City.