Carlisle United insist they remain “open-minded” about the controversial new-look EFL Trophy competition after being handed their group stage opponents.

Yesterday’s draw took place against a backdrop of disapproval from fans nationwide who have slammed the 2016-17 trial format.

The draw has placed United in Northern Group D. Keith Curle’s men will face Championship side Blackburn Rovers, and also take on Fleetwood Town and Oldham Athletic – both of League 1.

Carlisle spokesman Andy Hall said yesterday: “We have said from day one we have to go into the trial open-minded and that is what we are going to do.”

Precise dates have yet to be announced for United’s ties. However, it was disclosed that they travel to Oldham first, in the week commencing August 29.

They then have home games against both Blackburn and Fleetwood, in the weeks of October 3 and November 7, respectively.

The top two sides in each of the 16 groups will then progress to a knockout stage that will culminate in a final at Wembley Stadium on April 2.

However, the trial format of the 64-team EFL Trophy has attracted scathing criticism.

Some Carlisle supporters have even threatened to boycott a competition that has long been the preserve of lower league outfits.

There was further fury yesterday. Despite the draw being split into Northern and Southern groups, Middlesbrough were paired with Cambridge United and Cheltenham Town alongside Blackpool.

As part of the revamp, 16 sides from category one academies have been invited to line up alongside clubs from Leagues 1 and 2.

Premier League champions Leicester City, along with Chelsea and Everton, are among those who have entered B sides.

Blackburn are one of those to have accepted late invites after Arsenal and Liverpool, along with Manchester’s City and United, rejected the chance to take part.

Carlisle’s chief executive Nigel Clibbens saidearlier this month: “We hope to see the competition thrive.

“It’s a competition the club has enjoyed lots of success in and we want to see that continue next year.”

The Blackburn Rovers academy is headed by former United youth supremo Eric Kinder. He presided over a successful seven-year spell at Brunton Park before moving to the Lancashire club in 2013.

Hall said of the EFL Trophy pairing with Blackburn: “I am sure he (Kinder) will be looking forward to that. It will be nice to see him again, certainly in a competitive arena.”