Middlesbrough's 2021/22 fixtures: Release dates, cup details, pre-season plans and transfer deadlines

After missing out on a play-off place last season, Neil Warnock will be hoping to mount a top-six challenge this time around.

Here’s everything you need to know about the fixture release, pre-season plans, transfer deadlines and more.

When are the 2021/22 Championship fixtures released?

The fixtures for the 2021/22 Championship season will be released at 9am on Thursday, June 24.

Every second-tier fixture will be released at this point – although some will be moved for broadcast reasons as the season progresses.

When is the Carabao Cup draw?

The draw for the first-round of the Carabao Cup will take place live on Sky Sports at 3:40pm on Thursday 24 June, the same day the EFL fixture lists will be released.

Like last year’s competition, the first round will be drawn in Northern and Southern sections, meaning Boro could draw one of 34 sides including EFL newcomers Hartlepool United and Sheffield United.

First-round ties will take place on the week commencing August 9.

When will Boro return for pre-season?

While some players have already been doing work at Rockliffe, most of the squad are expected to return at the start of July.

That will give Warnock a few weeks to work with his squad before their first pre-season friendly.

Who are Boro playing in pre-season?

Boro’s first friendly will take place on Wednesday, July 14 at Bishop Auckland (7pm kick-off).

It’s hoped that some fans will be able to attend and ticket details will be announced in due course.

Warnock will then take his side to Cornwall for a week-long training camp on July 19, where they will play against non-league sides Saltash United and Tavistock AFC, before facing League One side Plymouth.

Boro’s penultimate pre-season friendly will come against York City at the new LNER Community Stadium on Tuesday, July 27.

A final pre-season friendly is expected to be announced but won’t take place at the Riverside due to pitch maintenance work.

When does the season start?

The Championship season will begin on the weekend of Saturday, August 8.

In the last two seasons, Boro’s opener has been moved to a Friday night for TV broadcasters.

When does the transfer window end?

Warnock remains hopeful he can make six or seven signings before the end of the transfer window.

The market is set to close on Tuesday, August 31, a few weeks after the season has started.

When does the FA Cup start in the 2021/22 season?

FA Cup round dates are yet to be confirmed – but will become apparent when the league fixtures are announced.

The competition usually starts during the first weekend in January.

What are the latest promotion odds?

Boro are priced at 13/2 with bookmakers SkyBet to win promotion from the Championship.

Here are the early favourites:

Fulham – 7/4

West Brom – 15/8

Sheffield Utd - 3/1

Bournemouth – 10/3

Swansea – 9/2

Nottingham Forest – 11/2

Barnsley – 13/2

Cardiff – 13/2

Middlesbrough – 13/2

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