IAN Holloway will return to his home city as part of his preparations for life in the Premier League.

The 46-year-old Bristolian has agreed to bring newly-promoted Blackpool to Ashton Gate to play a friendly fixture against old foes Bristol City.

Former Bristol Rovers boss Holloway and his play-off winning team will take on Steve Coppell's Robins on Saturday, July 31 (3pm) in what will amount to a final dress rehearsal for the Championship club.

City officials had hoped to land a high-profile home friendly against either a top Premier League side or European opposition, but when that proved impossible they turned instead to last season's Championship surprise package.

Manager Coppell said: "We already had a series of fixtures arranged against League Two and League One sides and we needed to step things up for the final warm-up game.

"Blackpool are now a Premier League club and I'm sure they will provide us with the kind of test we require a week before the season kicks off.

"Ian Holloway has done a fantastic job up there and Blackpool's achievement in winning the play-offs has given every Championship club hope. They have shown what can be done when you believe in what you are doing and play attacking football."

Holloway's return is sure to create additional interest and City anticipate a decent-sized crowd for what will be their only home pre-season friendly.

Coppell explained: "It was difficult finding suitable opposition because of the managerial hand-over at the end of last season.

"That meant there was a delay in planning pre-season and, by the time we looked at it, a lot of the bigger clubs were already committed.

"But Blackpool will be good opposition for us and it's a game which should prove attractive to the supporters."

Recently-returned from holiday in Thailand, Coppell is this week putting plans in place ahead of July 1, the date when the players report back for pre-season training.

He said: "It's a matter of working with my staff over the next couple of weeks and making sure everything is in place for when the players come back.

"We're going through everything with a fine-tooth comb and looking at every aspect from fitness to conditioning to the friendly games we play.

"It is a busy time and my thoughts are now turning towards next season." For City fans, the Blackpool game represents a first chance to see Coppell take charge of his new side on home turf.

Tickets go on priority sale from Monday, June 21, at the discounted price of £10 adults and £5 concessions, to 2010-11 season-card holders and club members only. In addition, a family match ticket (two adults, two children) will also be available, priced £25 for these supporter groups.

Seats can be purchased online by phoning 0871 222 66 66 (option one) or at Ashton Gate. Season-card holders and members should quote their client reference number to claim the discounted price. If supporters have yet to receive their card, they should contact the ticket office directly to purchase their seat.

Season-card holders and members will have a fortnight to buy tickets at the above rate before all seats are released for general sale from Monday, July 4, when prices will rise to £12 adults and £7 concessions. A family ticket (two adults, two children) will cost £30.