Keith Bertschin's second string, who finished a creditable fifth in the Barclays Premier Reserve League (north) table last season, kick-off the 2005-06 season against The Black Cats on August 8th.
Ironically, Blues' Reserves side opened last seasons campaign with a 3-0 home win against Sunderland, the now departed Darren Carter scoring twice in that game.
The Blues Reserves first away game will be against Blackburn Rovers a week later.