Clough backs move to open season with EFL Cup games

Nigel Clough won the League Cup in 1989 and 1990 with Nottingham Forest [Getty Images]Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough says moving the Carabao Cup first round to the weekend before the new EFL season could benefit the competition.In a change to the schedule, first‑round fixtures will take place on 7–9 August, one week before the league campaign begins. The competition is traditionally played in midweek, with the final staged at Wembley on a Sunday.Clough has twice won the competition