It is 19 years since the Elland Road club tasted defeat in their first game of a new campaign but the Scot knows that is likely to count for little at Scunthorpe United today.

Nigel Adkins's newly-relegated side are one of many who McAllister expects to challenge for promotion to the Championship.

He said: "I would imagine other managers feel they have strengthened. Leicester have lost a few players who I liked but they've also been in the market.

"Huddersfield have been in the market, too, and I know Stan (Ternent) so they will be competitive. A couple of my old pals at Oldham, John Sheridan and Tommy Wright, are doing a great job so I expect them to be up there.

"Carlisle probably punched above their weight and they have lost an influential player in their goalkeeper, but Brunton Park is a very difficult place to go so they could be in the mix again. I also expect the teams that came down will challenge."

Today's noon kick-off – the first of four early starts in the opening five away games – means United, whose last opening day defeat came at Newcastle in 1989, can steal a march on their rivals.

Despite that, McAllister added: "Early kick-offs are something we have to get used to. Whether it is fair or not – and I have my own opinions – all we can do is get on with it. We have to get our preparation right and create the thought it is Saturday at 3pm."

Veteran defender Paul Telfer yesterday signed on a non-contract basis following a summer trial with Leeds and is eligible for today's match.