Latics will face Dunn's Rovers

David Dunn

ATHLETIC face a reunion with former manager David Dunn at Ewood Park in the group stage of the revamped EFL Trophy.

Dunn, who now works as assistant under-21s coach at Blackburn Rovers, will form part of Rovers' coaching team that field an under-23s side containing up to four over-age players in the controversial competition.

Also in Athletic's regionalised group are Carlisle United and Fleetwood. Stephen Robinson's side will play each team once.

Carlisle visit SportsDirect.com Park on the week commencing Monday, August 29, followed by two away trips. Fleetwood are hosts on the week starting Monday, October 3, with a Blackburn Rovers under-23s side, featuring up to four over-age players, taking on Athletic in the week of Monday, November 7. Exact dates are to be confirmed.

When the competition format was formulated Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool were all potential opponents for Athletic in a draw featuring Premier League academy-based sides.

But the trio were three of six top-flight sides who ultimately opted not to take part in what was formerly knows as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Newcastle also decided against entering, leaving Championship sides Norwich, Brighton, Derby, Wolves and Reading to enter their youngsters alongside the traditional participants from League One and League Two.

INVITATION

West Ham accepted their invitation and were drawn against Coventry, Wycombe and Northampton.

The English Football League had initially said every invited team would play one game at home, but the Hammers plan to play all three away.

Newcastle said they were initially told they would not be involved and had since made other plans.

"The club was initially informed by the Premier League that it was not going to be invited to compete in the restructured competition," read a club statement.

"Accordingly, the club started to make plans with regard to the development squad for the coming season. These plans included the intention to loan out some of the players who are currently part of the under-23 squad, rather than allowing them to compete in the Premier League 2.

"Though Newcastle United did subsequently receive an invite to the EFL Trophy, the club feels their younger players would be better served by going out on loan and gaining experience over an extended period."