Derby County manager Nigel Clough says the release of the fixtures this week will focus everyone's mind on the coming season.

On Tuesday (16th June) the Rams will learn who their first opponent in the Carling Cup is. Then, just 24 hours later (Wednesday 17th June) the full fixture list for the Championship season is announced.

The Rams boss says when the matches are revealed the excitement starts to grow.

Nigel Clough said: "There is no such thing as a close season in football anymore.

"We are not playing matches of course, but the work never stops; be it transfers in and out, or players taking part in rehab making sure they are ready for the start of the new season.

"Moor Farm (the club's training ground) has been a busy place in May and June but it will really come to life on July 1st when the players are back in.

"Fixtures day is always exciting for supporters but it's also good for the players and staff as it focuses everyone on the coming season."

Rams supporters will find out first on the club's official website, dcfc.co.uk, tomorrow at 10am who the club have drawn in the first round of the Carling Cup.

Then on Wednesday at 10am the full Championship fixture list is revealed.

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