IT’S hard to imagine life before the global juggernaut that is today’s Premier League.

English football’s crème de la crème is a brand worth millions, revered across the world and driven by the riches of Sky TV.

For fans of a certain generation, therefore, and given their club’s current hardship, it’s perhaps hard to believe that Ipswich Town were part of that elite when the league launched in 1992.

John Lyall’s side had reserved their place at the top table after being crowned champions of the old Second Division, alongside runners-up Middlesbrough.

It meant they were there on merit, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and, ahem, Coventry, Oldham and Wimbledon.

The dawn of a new era was upon them and their first opponents that historic opening day – August 15, 1992 – were none other than Aston Villa, who they meet in a Championship clash at Villa Park tomorrow.

A quick look at both line-ups brings memories flooding back.

Canadian Craig Forrest was the Town keeper behind a back four of Micky Stockwell, David Linighan, Phil Whelan and Neil Thompson.

The midfield trio of Jason Dozzell, John Wark and Gavin Johnson were joined by summer signing Geraint Williams, who had moved in a £650,000 deal from Derby, and the front two were Chris Kiwomya and Paul Goddard.

Eddie Youds and Simon Milton stepped off the bench while the other substitute – only three were allowed – was keeper Jason Winters.

There were some big names in the Villa team, including new signing Ray Houghton, who made his debut after joining from Liverpool.

Boss Ron Atkinson plumped for the following XI - Nigel Spink, Earl Barrett, Steve Staunton, Shaun Teale, Paul McGrath, Steve Froggatt, Houghton, Garry Parker, Kevin Richardson, Dalian Atkinson and Tony Daley.

Cyrille Regis was introduced from the bench.

The sides drew 1-1 that landmark day - Johnson fired Town into a first-half lead before the late, great Atkinson equalised six minutes from time to stun his old followers at Portman Road.

Impressively, Town stayed unbeaten for their first eight matches, drawing six, before losing at bogey ground Oldham.

Only a late slump, losing ten of the last 14, put the brakes on their campaign as they finished a respectable 16th.

Villa, on the other hand, were runners-up, ten points behind champions Manchester United and qualifying for the UEFA Cup alongside none other than third-placed Norwich.