The first major fixture of the upcoming season was announced today as the draw for the Carling Cup was released. The Rams are set to meet Shrewsbury Town for the first time fifteen years during the first round.

Unlike the classic comedy written by Shakespeare himself, The Rams cup form has been no laughing matter. It is a nice change for Derby to have a home fixture for the first cup hit out after more banana skin fixtures in recent years than we would care to remember.

Their League Two opposition went close to promotion last season after missing automatic promotion by a point and then bundled out in the playoffs. They will provide stern opposition when they visit Pride Park in August.

The official site announced today that the teams will meet soon to agree on the date and ticketing for the match.

They also spoke to Nigel Clough about the cup clash:

"First and foremost it is pleasing to have a home game, before a Cup draw takes place all you can ask for is a home tie, and we're delighted to have one this year.”

"We've been drawn away to League Two opposition in the last few years, so it is nice that we will have the opportunity to bring Carling Cup football back at Pride Park this season.”

"Secondly, we want to have a better run in the competition than what we've had in the last two seasons. We have been bitterly disappointed to go out of the Carling Cup at the first attempt in each of the last two seasons to League Two sides, so we want to avoid a repeat this time around."

 "Before then we have pre-season and the opening game of the season to focus our attentions on, but it is certainly a Cup tie to look forward to."

Other fixtures of interest from the draw find Burton heading to Burnley and Nottingham Forest hosting Notts County.

What do you think of the Rams drawing Shrewsbury in Round 1 of the Carling Cup?

Why not join the RamZone Forum by clicking on the link above or our Facebook page and give us your thoughts!

CLICK HERE! for RamZone's Facebook page!

Photo: Action Images

pkay_brum added 16:34 - Jun 16 DCFC should make it a free game for S/T holders or seek permission for a low-price ticketing concession (£5.00 adult) to boost the gate.
0

Derby County Polls