City to learn Euro opponents
01 Jul 2008 - 07:53:53
Manchester City will discover their opening UEFA Cup opponents when the draw for the first qualifying round takes places at 1230 BST on Tuesday.
The Citizens, plus six other sides from Britain and the Republic of Ireland, will learn their fate at UEFA headquarters in Nyon after booking their place in Europe via last season's Fair Play table.
Speaking shortly after taking the managerial reins last month, new City boss Mark Hughes revealed his determination to go far in Europe.
"We hope to have a very good run in Europe," he said.
"That is so important for us to keep building as a club and to have recognition in Europe, so that will be a priority."
City will kick-off their UEFA Cup campaign with a first leg tie at Barnsley's Oakwell stadium on July 17.
Their City of Manchester Stadium home is having the pitch re-laid following a summer of non-football related events.
The second leg is scheduled to take place on July 31 before the draw for the second round of qualifying takes place on August 1.
Fellow Premier League sides Everton, Portsmouth and Tottenham will all enter the tournament at the first round proper stage.
Meanwhile, City have confirmed the appointment of Eddie Niedzwiecki and Kevin Hitchcock as first-team and goalkeeping coach respectively.
The pair worked under Hughes at former club Blackburn Rovers before his departure last month.