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Millers keen to cash in on lure of Derby in Cup
ROTHERHAM United chairman Tony Stewart was delighted to land a home draw against Championship side Derby County in the first round of the Carling Cup.
"I think its one of the ties of the round," he said. "With a bit of luck, it will also be televised and bring a bit of money into the club coffers."
Derby, who are now managed by Nigel Clough, will be aiming to push for the Premier League this season. The Millers, meanwhile, are among the favourites for promotion in League Two.
Leeds United manager Simon Grayson views victory in the first round of the Carling Cup as a springboard for the rest of the campaign
Leeds travel to League One rivals Darlington, who are currently in administration and under the guidance of former Bradford City manager Colin Todd.
"The Carling Cup is an important part of our campaign," said Grayson.
"The first round comes up very quickly, we will only have played one league game at that stage, and it can be a good early platform for us."
The draw has subsequently led to the cancellation of next month's proposed pre-season friendly between the two clubs at Darlington.
Barnsley, who visit Lincoln City, will be looking to improve on last season's performance in the competition when they were dumped out in the first round by Crewe Alexandra. Manager Simon Davey said: "All Cup games are important to us and, as a club, we are looking forward to what will be a difficult trip."
Both Doncaster Rovers and Sheffield United face repeats of their first-round fixtures in last season's competition.
Rovers will be seeking revenge against Notts County at Meadow Lane while the Blades be looking to mirror last season's 3-1 victory when they entertain a Port Vale side now managed by Sheffield-born Micky Adams, a lifelong Blades supporter.
Neighbours Sheffield Wednesday are also at home to Rochdale. The two clubs have met only once before – and that was in the first round of the League Cup seven years ago, when the Owls won 1-0 courtesy of a Gerald Sibon goal.
Lee Clarks's first cup tie as manager of Huddersfield Town will be at home to League One rivals Stockport County.
Bradford City have not progressed beyond the first round since 2005 and have landed a tough trip to Championship club Nottingham Forest.
Manager Stuart McCall admitted: "It's a tough draw. There's no getting away from it – but we shall go there with positive intent.
"It would've been nice to have been at home but Forest is a great place to play your football."
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Weather for Yorkshire
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -8 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
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