THE police presence at Leeds United's opening two Championship fixtures is certain to be strong after Kevin Blackwell's men were paired against Millwall and Cardiff City.

Leeds will open their 2005/2006 campaign against the Lions at Elland Road on August 6 with matches between the two clubs always being considered for their potential off-field problems.

Three days later, Leeds then visit Ninian Park, the scene of unsavoury crowd trouble during an FA Cup tie in 2002, to take on Cardiff.

The match against Millwall could also be given an added edge should the speculation linking former Lions player-boss Dennis Wise with a move to Elland Road become more than that.

Leeds face a tough start to their Championship campaign, travelling to newly-promoted Luton Town on August 13 before hosting Wolves (August 20) and taking on relegated Premiership clubs Norwich away (August 27) and Crystal Palace at home on Bank Holiday Monday.

United will also renew their old Yorkshire rivalry with promoted Sheffield Wednesday early on with a midweek September 13 trip to Hillsborough.

The return match against the Owls will be played at Elland Road on Saturday, January 21.

Sheffield United will visit Leeds on October 22 with Blackwell taking on former mentor Neil Warnock at Bramall Lane on April 17, which is Easter Monday.

Former Leeds director Adam Pearson, now chairman at Hull City, will return to his former club on New Year's Eve with a first visit to the Tigers' KC Stadium scheduled for April Fools' Day.

Boxing Day, meanwhile, will see Leeds entertain Coventry City while the season will finish with a clash against last season's beaten play-off finalists Preston North End at Deepdale on April 30 - a week earlier than normal because of next summer's World Cup in Germany.

Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell has ruled out making a swoop for out-of-favour Sunderland midfielder Sean Thornton.

Blackwell was rumoured to be vying with Crystal Palace chief Iain Dowie for the services of the 22-year-old Irishman, but Blackwell stated: "We are not pursuing an interest in Sean Thornton."

Updated: 11:25 Thursday, June 23, 2005