MARK ROBINS says tomorrow’s Football League fixtures release is a welcome sign that the new season is getting closer.

Town will discover their schedule at 9.00am, just over six weeks since cementing Championship survival.

Relegated trio QPR, Reading and Wigan and promoted clubs Bournemouth, Doncaster and Yeovil will be the new names on the list.

It all gets under way on Saturday, August 3, and Robins, whose side finished 19th last season said: “The fixtures coming out makes it a significant day for players, staff and supporters.

“It’s also a reminder that we are about to get down to some very important work to make sure we are ready for what lies ahead.”

Robins was between jobs this time last year – he didn’t become Coventry boss until September – and is looking forward to really putting his stamp on Town.

“I came in midway through February and it was straight into a hectic set of matches,” reflected the former Rotherham and Barnsley chief.

“We had to maintain some continuity, but pre-season provides the chance to impose our own methods and ideas.”

Assistant manager Steve Taylor and head of performance Darren Robinson have been at the heart of planning, while Robins is also working closely with Under 21 chief Steve Eyre.

“It’s about finding ways of getting that bit extra out of everyone, and there is some hard work ahead for us all,” added Robins.

Town, who will make use of the new facilities at their Canalside training complex, will have a five-day training camp in Spain ahead of five first-team friendlies.

Clubs voted to start the 2013-14 season earlier than usual to provide an extra set of Saturday fixtures.

The regular season concludes on May 3, 2014, with the play-off finals at Wembley between May 24-26.

There will be matches on Saturday, December 21 and Sunday 29 as well as Boxing Day, a Thursday, and New Year’s Day, a Wednesday.

Fans on Cup draw – Pages 38 & 39.