Changes confirmed for format of cup competition that Sheffield Wednesday take part in – and why
For the first time since 2011/12, there will be a preliminary round in this year’s edition of the tournament, brought about ‘in order to accommodate all Premier League European clubs in Round Three’, with the first fixtures due to get underway on the week commencing August 4th.
It’s not an alteration that is likely to make any different to the Owls, aside from the fact that they may end up facing one of those that plays in the round before Round One.
An explanation from the EFL read, “This season’s Carabao Cup will require a Preliminary Round to be introduced ahead of Round One due to nine Premier League teams being involved in European competition in 2025/26. The format of the Carabao Cup will be amended to introduce a four-team preliminary qualifying round, to reduce the number of Clubs in Round One and Round Two in order to accommodate all Premier League European Clubs in Round Three.
The four Blackpool players that benefitted most from Steve Bruce last season – including ex-Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton Athletic and Leeds United figures
Steve Bruce’s arrival at Bloomfield Road last season proved to be beneficial for a number of Blackpool players.
While the Seasiders ultimately fell well short of a place in the League One play-offs, a number of individuals enjoyed personal growth throughout the campaign.
Sonny Carey was probably the player to improve most under Bruce’s management, with the 24-year-old enjoying the best form from his entire time on the Fylde Coast.
The midfielder’s strong performances in the second half of last season left him with multiple options this summer, and resulted in a move to Charlton Athletic in the Championship on a free transfer after a new contract with Blackpool was turned down.
