BURNLEY'S wish has come true with a first Boxing Day home game for six seasons as they have been handed an entertaining clash with Wolves.

But chief executive Andrew Watson admitted: "While we are delighted to be at home on the 26th, I feel a bit sorry for the fans who have to go to Gillingham the game before and Brighton the one after."

Stan Ternent's side will kick off the new season with a home game against newly promoted Brighton and Hove Albion who have still to appoint a replacement for Peter Taylor who led them to promotion.

The first away trip is to Molineux and the fans have been given another Bank Holiday headache with an away trip to Reading on August 26.

Paul Smith from the Boundary Clarets complained: "That is a nightmare Christmas for us. Last season the Rotherham game was called off an hour before kick-off, imagine that happening on a trip to Brighton or Gillingham.

"They have both got to be about 280 miles. And I'm not too pleased about going to Reading on a Bank Holiday."

2002/03 FIXTURES

PROVISIONAL 1st Draft Subject to Change

August & September dates

10-08-2002 Brighton & Hove Albion (H)

17-08-2002 Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)

24-08-2002 Sheff United (H)

26-08-2002 Reading (A)

31-08-2002 Crystal Palace (H)

07-09-2002 Derby County (A)

14-09-2002 Stoke City (H)

17-09-2002 Millwall (H)

21-09-2002 Bradford City (A)

24-09-2002 Ipswich Town (A)

28-09-2002 Wimbledon (H)