Confirmed: Championship fixtures release date and new time as Derby County learn what lies ahead
Excitement is building across the English Football League as the official release date—and now, a revised release time—for the 2024/25 Championship fixtures has been confirmed. For Derby County, who are returning to the second tier after securing promotion from League One, the announcement marks a significant moment in their preparations for the challenges that lie ahead.
The fixtures will be unveiled on **Wednesday, June 26**, but fans should take note of a **new release time of 9am BST**, which differs from the traditional slot used in previous seasons. The EFL confirmed the update earlier this week, prompting eager supporters to mark their calendars as they await the full schedule that will shape the Rams’ campaign.
This season’s fixture announcement carries added weight for Derby County. Under the leadership of head coach John Eustace, the club will be keen to hit the ground running in a league that has proven both competitive and unpredictable. The fixture reveal will shed light on key dates—from the season opener to the festive fixtures, and of course, the always-crucial run-in during the final months of the campaign.
For the fans, it’s the moment that truly brings the new season to life. Supporters will immediately look for the most anticipated matchups—clashes with rivals, long away days, and potentially pivotal games against promotion contenders. With clubs like Leeds United, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough also eyeing promotion to the Premier League, Derby’s schedule will offer an early glimpse at the level of competition they’ll face.
Additionally, Derby will learn when they’ll be facing newly relegated sides from the Premier League—fixtures that often become barometers for where a team stands in the league’s pecking order. The anticipation is just as high among players and staff, who will begin mapping out their season’s approach based on the sequence of matches.
Derby’s return to the Championship is a significant milestone, and the fixture release is the next major step in transitioning from celebratory promotion to focused preparation. While pre-season training and transfer market activity are ongoing, the fixture list provides a concrete framework around which the entire club will plan.
Manager John Eustace has already spoken about the importance of building momentum early, particularly in a league where form can change rapidly. “We know the Championship is relentless,” he noted recently. “It’s about consistency, adaptability, and taking each challenge as it comes. Knowing our fixture list will help us get the details right, from player conditioning to tactical preparation.”
Fans can expect the club to react swiftly once the schedule is out—offering ticketing details, travel advice, and official commentary on the season ahead. In a matter of weeks, pre-season friendlies will begin, and Derby will begin putting their plans into action.
Until then, all eyes will be on June 26 at 9am, when Derby County—and the rest of the Championship—finally learn what lies ahead in what promises to be another thrilling, hard-fought campaign.
