Plymouth boss Paul Sturrock admits he would have liked to have kicked off the new Championship season at Home Park.

Instead the Pilgrims begin with a trip to the capital to play Crystal Palace, who are managed by former Argyle boss Neil Warnock.

Sturrock said: "I would have liked to have had a home game to begin with. Your first games are always vitally important because you are looking to get away to a good start.

"We did very well at Crystal Palace last year, so we will approach the game with confidence.

"Similarly, our first two home games are with sides that we did okay against last season. We drew against QPR and beat Cardiff, and it would be nice to do at least as well again.

"We`ve got to make Home Park a difficult place for people to come to. It was too welcoming at times last season, and that cost us dear."