Birmingham have vowed to 'vigorously pursue' their legal fight against Alex McLeish following his appointment at rivals Aston Villa.

Villa announced on Friday that the Scot is to fill their managerial vacancy despite opposition from certain sections of their support.

McLeish has taken the post less than a week after quitting Birmingham in controversial circumstances.

His future has been the subject of constant discussion following his departure from St Andrew's, with it unclear exactly where he stands.

McLeish and Villa are of the opinion that he is a free agent, allowing them to strike a deal.

Birmingham, though, are refusing to let the matter lie and have accused their neighbours of tapping up their former boss and breaching Premier League rules.

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Manchester United will start the defence of their Premier League title with a trip to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, 13 August.

Arsenal begin with a match at Newcastle, while Chelsea, last season's runners-up, travel to Stoke and Liverpool host Sunderland.

Swansea's first Premier League match is at Manchester City, while QPR open with a home clash against Bolton.

Norwich, back in the top flight after six years, travel to Wigan.

Elsewhere on the opening day, Tottenham and Everton meet at White Hart Lane, Fulham and Aston Villa face each other at Craven Cottage, while Blackburn host Wolves.

After facing West Brom, Manchester United play home games against Tottenham and Arsenal.

Of the sides that finished in the top four last season, Arsenal's is perhaps the toughest start.

Arsene Wenger's men follow up their opener at St James' Park with a home game against Liverpool before a trip to Old Trafford.

The game between Liverpool and Sunderland means Reds midfielder Jordan Henderson could get an immediate run-out against the team he signed from earlier this month in a £20m deal.

On 17 September, Manchester United host Chelsea, with other big games coming thick and fast the following month.

United visit Liverpool on 15 October, Manchester City travel to Old Trafford on 22 October and Chelsea host Arsenal on 29 October.

Neil Warnock, boss of last season's Championship winners QPR, predicted "a very close and very exciting" campaign.

"It doesn't matter who you play, the Premier League is where we all want to be. It's just fabulous to be involved," he said.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins emphasised the Premier League season was a marathon, not a sprint.

Jenkins said: "Everyone talks about a good start but it's a long season and you've got to be consistent."

Norwich manager Paul Lambert admitted the reality of what the Norfolk club had achieved was driven home by Friday's announcement.

"You look at back-to-back away games at Manchester United and Liverpool in October and that just shows the level we've worked hard to get to," said Lambert.

"We have earned the right to be here - it is a great challenge and exciting times for the club and the fans.

Meanwhile, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce said he was "relishing" the visit to Anfield on the opening day of the season.

"Anfield is always a tough place to go, but we have acquitted ourselves well against the big boys in the past and going there is a test I will relish," saud Bruce.

"Then it doesn't get much bigger than a derby game on the first home date of the season [the Black Cats play Newcastle on 20 August]."

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