CHARLTON will kick off life back in the Championship with a visit to Birmingham City on August 18.

The League One champions, who are back in the second tier for the first time since 2009, then face Leicester City at The Valley (August 21), Hull City at home (August 25) and Nottingham Forest away (September 1) before the first international break.

Chris Powell’s side take on neighbours Millwall (December 1 away, March 16 home) and Crystal Palace (September 15 home, February 2 away) as south east London rivalries are resumed.

Boxing Day sees the Addicks host Ipswich Town and there are other festive fixtures against Derby County (h) on December 29 and Watford away on New Year’s Day.

Charlton sign off the 2012-13 campaign on May 4 at home to Bristol City.

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