With the new campaign kicking off at Deepdale and ending at the JJB stadium, the realisation that trips to Old Trafford and Highbury are out, at least for a season, becomes clear.
"I think it was the day West Ham supporters were dreading, myself included, because, as much as it has sunk in about relegation the day the fixtures came out was always the day you had it confirmed - if you needed it," says TC.
"Seeing Preston away for the first game and then Sheffield United and Rotherham brings it home, really.
"I think a good start was always going to be crucial but those three games are very difficult fixtures; if you start well, as has been proved in previous seasons, it just snowballs from there.
"The team gains confidence, goes on a good run, and the opposition start worrying and turning up full of fear at Upton Park, which is obviously what we want.
"On the other hand if we have a poor start it will only put pressure on everyone because, as we know, we are already favourites to go up anyway.
"People will raise their game but you have to accept that; Arsenal and Manchester United have to deal with it in the Premier League, Celtic and Rangers get it in Scotland, Portsmouth and Leicester probably had it all last season, so as the favourites - and probably the most glamorous club in the first division - I think it is probably going to be cup final time for everyone, and that will just make it that bit more difficult for West Ham.
"I don't think the fans will thank me for comparing us with West Ham but you know what I mean!
"People are saying 'oh yeah, you will come back easily, no problem' but it won't be easy.
"I do expect West Ham to get promotion but I don't think it will be as easy as some people expect."
TC expects a quiet few weeks now and adds:
"That has always been the case; everyone, the managers and the players, go away in June and it is the only time you get to rest.
"Some have been away on international duty until mid-June so they are only just beginning their rest period.
"But once clubs come back in early July for West Ham, and mid-July for the Premier League clubs, we will see a bit of movement.
"David Beckham's move might kick start the transfer market anyway."
As to who might leave and who might stay, he says:
"I don't think anyone knows, and if you said to the supporters in an ideal world who would they like to keep, I think the four young English players would be on everyone's list of wanting to stay, and perhaps Trevor Sinclair, but we all know someone along the line is going to be sacrificed because the club needs to bring some money in.
"I am sure things will start to happen later in July and after that and we will possibly see players move.
"I think Fredi Kanoute looks favourite to move at this moment in time, but there may be others just to balance the books.
"He is still worth money in the transfer market; I think he had a very disappointing season last year and it is a shame because he is a player that has got tremendous talent - but we just don't see it in week in, week out.
"West Ham, to make up the deficit of the Premier League money, have got to sell players and I am sure they will get maybe £5m or even £6m for Fredi."