Norwich City face a testing trip to newly-promoted Milton Keynes Dons in the first round of the Carling Cup.
Norwich City face a testing trip to newly-promoted Milton Keynes Dons in the first round of the Carling Cup.
And the Dons, League Two champions last season, were today given a huge boost ahead of the new campaign with the news that
Leicester have been denied permission to speak to manager Paul Ince about the vacancy at the Walkers Stadium.
Foxes chairman Milan Mandaric made an official approach to Dons owner Pete Winkelman last week with regards to his promising young manager succeeding Ian Holloway, who left the club following relegation last season.
A statement release by the Dons read: “Following discussions between the chairman and Paul Ince, it has been decided that Paul will not be pursuing the opportunity at Leicester City.
“Given Paul's success in his emerging managerial career, it can come as no surprise that speculation continues to see his name linked with a number of managerial vacancies.
“In spite of this, as we look forward to the forthcoming League One season, the club remains committed to keeping the hottest young manager in English football at Stadium MK.”
The first round tie, in the week starting August 11, promises to be a tough proposition for Glenn Roeder's men.
Roeder told City's official website: “MK Dons had an excellent season last year and it will be a game that we look forward to.”
The two sides last met in the competition in the 2005-06 season when the Canaries won 1-0 after extra time in Milton Keynes thanks to a goal by Leon McKenzie.
City reached round three of the competition last season when they were beaten 1-0 at Manchester City, following a 5-2 home victory over Barnet in round one and a 4-3 win on penalties at Rochdale in round two, when the game finished 1-1 after extra time.
Teams from the Championship, League One and Two are included in the draw, and are joined by Aldershot and Exeter City after they won promotion from the Conference.
Relegated Derby County, Birmingham City and Reading enter from the first round stage.
Choices for televised games are likely to be announced next week.
Full draw:
Preston v Chesterfield
Chester v Leeds
Leicester v Stockport
Sheffield United v Port Vale
Grimsby v Tranmere
Crewe v Barnsley
Hartlepool v Scunthorpe
Derby v Lincoln
Notts County v Doncaster
Sheffield Wednesday v Rotherham
Shrewsbury v Carlisle
Wolves v Accrington
Bury v Burnley
Rochdale v Oldham
Nottingham Forest v Morecambe
Huddersfield v Bradford
Macclesfield v Blackpool
Walsall v Darlington
Coventry v Aldershot
MK Dons v Norwich
Wycombe v Birmingham
Brighton v Barnet
Gillingham v Colchester
Southend v Cheltenham
Swansea v Brentford
Luton v Plymouth
Exeter v Southampton
Watford v Bristol Rovers
Bournemouth v Cardiff
Bristol City v Peterborough
Charlton v Yeovil
Millwall v Northampton
Swindon v QPR
Crystal Palace v Hereford
Dagenham & Redbridge v Reading
Ipswich v Leyton Orient
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