STUART Beavon says that seeing the Championship fixture list will add an extra edge to pre-season training when the Albion players report back at the end of June.
“The lads are going to be looking forward to it even more than in other years because of the teams we will be playing,” the striker said. “It will be harder this year than last year and we need to be ready for it.”
Albion begin the season away at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, August 6, with Derby County arriving on Saturday, August 27.
Beavon said: “Forest are a massive club and with the Gaffer’s connections there, I don’t think we could have asked for any more with our opening game.
“A lot of fans mix Derby and Burton and it’s great to get that fixture early. There will be a massive crowd and it’s a huge game for both sets of fans.
“To play at some of these grounds, like Villa Park and St James’s Park is something I have grown up wanting to do so to now get the opportunity is amazing. This season is massive for myself and the rest of the lads as well, it’s what we have all strived for.”
Beavon’s two previous Albion managers Gary Rowett and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink will be back at the Pirelli as the Brewers take on Birmingham on October 22 and QPR on September 27.
Beavon says: “The majority of the lads played under both of those managers and they did great for the club so it will be nice to pitch ourselves against their teams.
“There’s so many great fixtures I’m looking forward to – Villa, Derby, Newcastle, Forest and another one for me is Reading as my dad played  there for many years.
“I have enjoyed the summer break but have started getting fit again and I’m looking forward to getting back and getting going again.”