PETER Clarke will begin his Huddersfield Town career back at Southend United.

The 27-year-old defender, who made 150 appearances in three years with the Shrimpers before opting to leave this summer, will return to Roots Hall on the opening day of the new campaign, Saturday August 8.

And he could not believe his eyes when he discovered the newly-released fixtures.

“It is very strange the way things have worked out,” said Clarke.

“Of all the teams we could’ve played first we got Southend, but in a way it’s going to be like nothing has changed for me.

“It will be another game at Roots Hall but obviously I’ll be in a different shirt this time and I must remember to go into a different changing room too.”

Clarke found out the news on television and had actually forgotten the fixtures were coming out.

But he is already looking forward to the game and taking on his former team-mates.

“It will be a little strange playing against people I know so well but you have to remain professional,” said the centre-back.

“You have to concentrate on the game but hopefully I will get a decent reception from the Southend fans.”

Those Shrimpers supporters will also welcome local rivals Leyton Orient to Roots Hall on Saturday September 5 before Leeds United visit seven days later.

Colchester United are in town on Boxing Day while Blues travel to Orient on Monday, December 28, and start the new year at Millwall before the season ends away at Southampton.

Manager Steve Tilson admitted to being fairly pleased with the way the fixtures had worked out.

But he knows his team are in for a real test on the opening day.

“To be honest I think it’s one of the hardest games we could have started off with,” said Tilson.

“Huddersfield are spending a lot of money and are going to have a real go next year.

“They will be strong and it’s funny the way it’s worked out with Peter Clarke coming back to us for his first game since leaving.”

The game with Huddersfield means Southend will start their season at home for the seventh successive year.

Blues have won three and lost three of the previous six opening day clashes and have now not kicked off a campaign away from home since drawing 2-2 at Hull City back in 2002.