Barrow AFC are busy preparing for life in League Two after being crowned champions of the National League last season. This weekend however, they kick-off life back in the EFL in style, with a trip to Pride Park to face Derby County in Round One of the Carabao Cup - their first League Cup fixture since the 1971/72 campaign.
Speaking to Barrow's official website ahead of Saturday’s Round One tie against Derby, manager David Dunn said: "We’re really excited - what a great opportunity this is for everyone at the club.
“I think it’s really important that we go there and try to give a really good account of ourselves and I’ sure all the players are eager to get out there and show everyone what they can do."
As a club coming up from the National League, you’re always hoping for a glamour tie to kick-off life in the EFL, and what better way to start than with a trip to Pride Park, where Dunn’s players could potentially come up against England’s all-time leading goalscorer, Wayne Rooney?
However, Dunn will be keen to ensure that his players keep their feet on the ground and don’t get caught up in the euphoria of playing a Championship club that boast the likes of Wayne Rooney in their ranks.
“I’m sure the players will be thinking they want to be on the same pitch as Wayne Rooney, to test themselves against a top, top player,” he continued.
“The last four or five weeks have been really good, the lads have shown a really good attitude and the application has been tremendous.”
“Now we are looking forward to the first competitive game - I’m not saying it’s an easy one by any stretch of the imagination but it’s a great chance to play in a wonderful stadium against some really good players.
“We will respect them, but we don’t want to give them too much respect where it’s a breeze for them."
