The key dates Middlesbrough supporters need to know ahead of the 2020/21 season - including the Championship fixture release

Games will continue to be played behind closed doors when the 2020/21 season starts in September.

After being involved in a relegation battle last term, the Boro boss is hopeful his side can compete at the other end of the table in his first full season at the Riverside.

Ahead of the new campaign, we look at some of the key dates that supporters will need to be aware of:

August 21

The 2020/21 Championship fixture list will be released at 9am on Friday, August 21.

August 24

Boro will head to Cornwall for a pre-season training camp before a friendly match against Plymouth the next day.

Warnock is hopeful the Teessiders can arrange more warm-up matches before the season kicks-off.

September 5

This season’s Carabao Cup competition will start before the Championship kicks-off, with the first-round draw set to take place on Tuesday August 18 – time to be confirmed.

Ties are scheduled for the weekend of September 5, yet due to the international window the EFL have announced ties may be played on alternative dates.

Boro midfielders Paddy McNair and George Saville are expected to be called-up for their country.

September 12

The date when the Championship season is set to start.

October 1

Under current government guidelines, this is the earliest date when supporters could return to stadiums.

This is obviously subject to change – and clubs will have to limit the number of fans when they are welcomed back.

Boro are already taking steps to ensure they can allow as many people as possible into the Riverside when safe to do so.

October 5

The deadline for English clubs to complete international transfers.

This counts for players moving to and leaving EFL clubs, though it’s expected most of Boro’s business will be done domestically.

October 16

This is when the domestic transfer window will close, meaning Boro can only do business with Premier League and EFL clubs between October 5 and October 16.

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