Walsall's fixtures please Dean Smith

Walsall manager Dean Smith has labelled the Saddlers' start to the season "perfect" after they were handed an opening day clash with his former club Leyton Orient.

The Saddlers will host Smith's old employers on August 6 in League One after the 2011-12 fixtures were released today.

Smith spent 10 years as a player and coach in two spells at Brisbane Road and is relishing the chance to open against Orient.

He said: "It's the perfect fixture for me. I really wanted a home game to start the season as I think that is very important.

"We finished last season in good form at the Banks's Stadium and we now have the opportunity to carry on where we left off.

"Obviously, Orient are a club I know so it's worked out well."

The Saddlers, after hosting Middlesbrough in the Carling Cup first round in the first week of the season, then travel to Hartlepool on the following Saturday before a midweek trip to Sheffield United on August 16.

The visit of Yeovil and a trip to Bournemouth complete the first month's fixtures and Smith can't wait for his first full season in charge.

He said: "It's a busy but exciting start. To be honest I'd rather go to Hartlepool in August than deepest, darkest winter but Sheffield United at Bramall Lane is a game we will all look forward to."

Walsall host Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day, before a New Year's Eve clash with Rochdale and a trip to newly-promoted Bury on January 2.

Easter sees them host Chesterfield and travel to Charlton and they finish the season with a trip to Milton Keynes Dons.

Smith added: "The game against Sheffield Wednesday should be a cracker. A home game on Boxing Day against a big club who should bring down a large travelling support is great. Hopefully, we will be up there challenging with Wednesday at that point.

"Fixture release day is always an exciting time and the countdown is on for the new season."