Tommy Smith is looking forward to tangling with former Premier League trio Hull City, Burnley and QPR.

The defender discovered the dates of Huddersfield Town’s Championship meetings with the three relegated sides when the 2015-16 fixtures were released.

The first of his 71 appearances for the club came at Hull in a Capital One Cup tie September 2013 – and now he’s preparing to face them on the opening day of the Skybet season.

His first home appearance was in the 2-1 Championship win over Burnley two months later.

And he appeared in the away games at Turf Moor and QPR in January 2014.

Town travel to Turf Moor on Saturday, October 31, before a March home meeting with Sean Dyche’s side, and they tackle QPR in just the fifth league match, at home, before returning to Loftus Road in the Christmas Bank Holiday.

“There were already big clubs throughout this division,” said the former Manchester City man, who returns for pre-season on July 1.

“Now we have three more with those who have come down from the Premier League.

“Hull is a special place for me because of my debut.

“And we know about Burnley and QPR having played them in recent times.

“Turf Moor is a traditional old English ground and I have always liked Loftus Road.

“All three of those sides have had a taste of the Premier League and will be desperate to get back there.”