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Countdown to kick-off
Aug 09: Football returns to England and Scotland this weekend after the summer break.
Aug 09: Football returns to England and Scotland this weekend after the summer break.
The three Nationwide Leagues, the Scottish Premier League (SPL), the three Bell`s Scottish divisions and the English Conference start on Saturday.
And on Sunday, the Community Shield match between Arsenal and Manchester United provides the traditional curtain-raiser to the English Premiership season, which begins on 16 August.
Top of Saturday`s Nationwide bill are West Ham, who break with precedent by kicking off their season at Preston at the earlier time of 1230 BST in Nationwide Division One.
Hammers boss Glenn Roeder makes his welcome return to the dug-out hoping for a change of fortunes, after his team got relegated from the Premiership last term.
Hammers boss Glenn Roeder makes his welcome return to the dug-out hoping for a change of fortunes, after his team got relegated from the Premiership last term.
In other notable week one action, Yoevil play their first Football League game at Rochdale, while fellow new boys Doncaster visit Leyton Orient.
And, north of the border, the Old Firm get their campaigns under way at lunchtime.
Rangers host Kilmarnock, while Celtic travel to Dunfermline.
Sunday`s big game between Arsenal and Manchester United takes place at 1500 at Cardiff`s Millennium Dome, where a capacity crowd is expected.
Arsenal won the Shield last year - beating Liverpool 1-0 - and Wenger`s men will be hungry to retain the trophy against their arch rivals from Manchester.
Bureau Report