Once upon a time unveiling the fixture list was one of the most highly anticipated events for a football fan. Whether or not in this modern world that excitement has dulled – there is still something special about seeing what lays ahead for the Rams.

In an age of instant information through the internet and social media – the speed in which the latest news gets to us - can sometimes make anticipation and information less exciting with far less impact than days gone by.

Times past when we had to huddle around the radio or wait till the morning paper hit the stands for the information you are hungry for are gone. Despite this - the release of the fixture list still holds significance as it signals the countdown to the new season has well and truly begun.

Yesterday the news of the Rams opening day clash against Blackburn Rovers was released and today the complete fixture list was published for football fans to devour and dissect.

The matches that will be focussed on first by Rams fans is our trip to Forest in late September with the return bout at home in March. Two matches that will not just re-ignite the passionate rivalry between teams but the added spice of Billy Davies once again returning to Pride Park at the helm of the enemy (that’s if he hasn’t again spat the dummy!!).

Personally the next fixtures I sought were those against ‘The Damned United’ in October at home with a final day showdown at the dirty ground on May 3rd. If the last day of the season requires a result – then perhaps given recent history – we could find no better place for it to take place.

But enough of what I think – below is the full fixture list for the 2013/14 campaign for your perusal. Time to pick apart, plan, look forward and dream as the Rams head towards what hopefully will be the making of a promising young team under manager Nigel Clough.

Derby County 2013-14 Fixture List:

Saturday, August 3

Blackburn Rovers (H)

Saturday, August 10

Brighton & Hove Albion (A)

Saturday, August 17

Leicester City (H)

Saturday, August 24

Yeovil Town (A)

Saturday, August 31

Burnley (H)

Saturday, September 14

Millwall (A)

Tuesday, September 17

Bolton Wanderers (A)

Saturday, September 21

Reading (H)

Saturday, September 28

Nottingham Forest (A)

Tuesday, October 1

Ipswich Town (H)

Saturday, October 5

Leeds United (H)

Saturday, October 19

Watford (A)

Saturday, October 26

Birmingham City (H)

Saturday, November 2

Queens Park Rangers (A)

Saturday, November 9

Sheffield Wednesday (H)

Saturday, November 23

Bournemouth (A)

Saturday, November 30

Wigan Athletic (A)

Tuesday, December 3

Middlesbrough (H)

Saturday, December 7

Blackpool (H)

Saturday, December 14

Charlton Athletic (A)

Saturday, December 21

Doncaster Rovers (H)

Thursday, December 26

Huddersfield Town (A)

Sunday, December 29

Barnsley (A)

Wednesday, January 1

Wigan Athletic (H)

Saturday, January 11

Leicester City (A)

Saturday, January 18

Brighton & Hove Albion (H)

Saturday, January 25

Blackburn Rovers (A)

Tuesday, January 28

Yeovil Town (H)

Saturday, February 1

Birmingham City (A)

Saturday, February 8

Queens Park Rangers (H)

Saturday, February 15

Sheffield Wednesday (A)

Saturday, February 22

Bournemouth (H)

Saturday, March 1

Burnley (A)

Saturday, March 8

Millwall (H)

Tuesday, March 11

Bolton Wanderers (H)

Saturday, March 15

Reading (A)

Saturday, March 22

Nottingham Forest (H)

Tuesday, March 25

Ipswich Town (A)

Saturday, March 29

Charlton Athletic (H)

Saturday, April 5

Middlesbrough (A)

Tuesday, April 8

Blackpool (A)

Saturday, April 12

Huddersfield Town (H)

Saturday, April 19

Doncaster Rovers (A)

Monday, April 21

Barnsley (H)

Saturday, April 26

Watford (H)

Saturday, May 3

Leeds United (A)

So that's how 2013/14 looks on paper - now bring on the real thing!

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls