Sheffield United are expecting another surge in season ticket sales after today's publication of next season's fixtures.

The Championship fixture list has thrown up a mouth watering season opener that will see United's Premiership ambitions tested to the full when they play Birmingham City at St. Andrew's on Saturday 9th August.

The first home game of the season at Bramall Lane promises to be just as exciting as the Blades host Flavio Briatore backed Queen's Park Rangers the following week.

Next season's hotly anticipated steel city derby against Sheffield Wednesday will kick-off at Hillsborough on Saturday 18th October with the return fixture at Bramall Lane on Saturday 7th February. Last season's thrilling derby at Bramall Lane saw United fight back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Sheffield Wednesday in front of more than 30,000 fans.

Fans will have to wait until 2009 to watch any local derbies at the Lane, with United taking on League One play-off champions Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday 27th January, Barnsley on Saturday 14th February, Nottingham Forest on Monday 13th April and last season's Premiership bottom club Derby County on Saturday 14th March.

The busy Christmas period will see the Blades take on fellow promotion hopefuls Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux around the festive period yet again, and Charlton Athletic at Bramall Lane on Sunday 28th December.

The Blades will play League One champions Swansea City in the final home game of the season on Saturday 25th April, with the last league game taking place at Neil Warnock's Crystal Palace on Saturday 3rd May.

Emma Wylie, ticket office manager at Sheffield United, said: "The new fixture list is always very exciting for football fans and we can't wait to begin our push for promotion back to the premier league.

"There are some massive games in next season's fixture list, with some strong teams coming down from the Premiership and three more derby matches for fans to enjoy. The vocal support of Blades' fans will be absolutely crucial in every match and we have already seen a fantastic uptake of season tickets. We are advising fans to purchase their season tickets sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment."

The Blades have already sold more than 17,500 tickets as supporters guarantee their seats for next season. The close season support has been praised by Plc Chairman Kevin McCabe.

Season tickets are available from £359 (adults) and £239 (concessions) right up to the start of the new campaign.

United are also continuing to offer children under 12 a free season ticket when they sign-up as a Junior Blade for £10 and are accompanied by an adult season ticket holder.

Supporters still have a number of great seats at Bramall Lane to choose from and take advantage of the U12s offer, especially in the family enclosure of the Capital One stand.

Season tickets prices from 20th May are:

	Adult	Concs
Valad (South) Stand	£449	£269
Capital One (John Street) Stand	£449	£259
Frasers Property (Kop) Stand	£359	£239
Under 16s (all areas)	£129
Under 12s (all areas)	£69

For more information, contact the Blades Ticket Office on 0871 222 1889.