United defender Tom Lees has spoken of the importance to getting off to a good start when the 2014/15 Championship season begins on Saturday 9 August.

Wednesday 18 June will see the fixtures for the new season announced and Tom says he will be looking out for our Yorkshire rivals and the new arrivals from the Premiership and League One.

“There will be the usual Yorkshire derbies to look out for and there are also the teams that have come down from the Premier League,” said the defender.

“But like every season in the Championship, every week is a tough fixture.

“The teams coming up will add more competition as well.

“It is important that we get off to a good start so I’m sure we will target those first few fixtures.

“I’m sure that everyone at the club is geared up to make this campaign more of a successful one.”

An important part of starting the season right is a good pre-season and Tom says the period leading up to the season’s opener is vital.

“Every player knows that missing a pre-season is one of the worst things that can happen,” said Lees. 

“Pre-season gives you a block of time for fitness to work from for the rest of the season. It is vital that you get that in.

“I’m sure that everyone will come back fit and will be ready to go.”