Carling Cup - details confirmed

Due to Birmingham's involvement in the Europa League it means there has to be a preliminary round for the first time since 2002, and rather than draw out two teams the league have opted instead for the two new boys to face each other with a place in the first round for the winners. A draw will take place to determine which side plays at home but the game will go ahead on Friday 29th July.

As expected, it is again being done on a regional basis and also will be seeded. Burnley have been placed in the seeded group for the north. Should we win through to the second round we will again be seeded.

There are 34 teams in the North group and 36 in the South group. The 35 first round winners will be joined in the second round by the 13 Premier League teams who are not involved in European competition.

The 24 who then win through will be joined by the 8 clubs (including Birmingham) who are playing in Europe in the third round and from that point it becomes a straight knockout.

The first round ties will be played in week commencing Monday 8th August with the teams in the draw as shown below.