Wrexham will host former finalists Wigan on their Carabao Cup return
Wrexham will host former finalists Wigan on their Carabao Cup return when the first round draws are announced… with the club back in the hat following National League victory
- Wrexham are taking part in the Carabao Cup for the first time since 2007-08
- They are paired with 2006 runners-up Wigan in the first round draw
- The club, owned by Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, is back in League Two
Wrexham host former finalists Wigan on their return to the Carabao Cup.
The Welsh side, who will take part in the competition for the first time since 2007-08 following their promotion to League Two, were paired with 2006 runners-up in Thursday’s first round.
Notts County, who were drawn from the National League along with Wrexham, were drawn at home to Lincoln.
Owned by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the Dragons set a point record as they worked their way to the National League title last season.
As a result, they clinched a spot in the Football League for the first time in 15 years and are one of the favorites to seal an immediate rise to League Two.
Wrexham have been drawn against former finalist Wigan in the first round of the Carabao Cup
Wigan, the 2006 runners-up, was relegated from the Championship after finishing bottom
Wigan, meanwhile, were relegated to the third tier of the last campaign after finishing at the bottom of the Championship and being dogged by off-field headaches.
They will travel to the Racecourse Ground the week of August 7.
The first round draw, featuring sides from the Championship, League One and League Two, was split into Northern and Southern sections.
Leicester, Leeds and Southampton have to play in the first round after their relegation from the Premier League.
Leeds receives Shrewsbury, the Foxes travel through the Midlands to Burton and Southampton travels to Gillingham.
The majority of the top level teams enter the second round and those involved in European competitions go straight to the third round.
Manchester United are the current holders of the trophy following their 2-0 win over Newcastle
Supported by Hollywood, Wrexham returned to the Football League after their 15-year hiatus
Phil Parkinson expects Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds to attend their League Two opener
On the other hand, Wrexham will kickstart their bid for an unlikely chance at Wembley glory at the first hurdle and may very well be facing elite clubs as they progress.
The club have also uncovered their opening game of the League Two campaign, with MK Dons traveling to North Wales on August 5.
Boss Phil Parkinson believes Reynolds and McElhenney would like to attend the game.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they come over because it’s – in the history of the football club – a huge game,” Parkinson told Sky Sports.
“To be out of the league for 15 years means the club’s return to league football. I’m sure if they can get here they’ll be over.’