Viking Supporters Co-operative
Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: The Red Baron on December 06, 2016, 09:07:57 am
-
If we win tonight then we are in the last 16 and at that stage it becomes an open draw. So we could face a long trek in the next round. Norwich B away, anyone? :s
-
Also worth noting that although most of the Last 32 games are played tonight there is one next Tuesday, another on 21st December and the final one is on 10th January, which I believe is the date of the next round.
Wolves B beat Sunderland B last night on penalties.
-
DF seems to like it though.
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/doncaster-rovers/doncaster-v-blackpool-darren-ferguson-is-fan-of-much-maligned-cup-1-8275246
I think he's used the competition pretty well but I'd not want to see a Cup run distract us from our main aim. If we get to, say, the last eight, will he start to field more of the senior players? I hope not.
-
Nice piece in the Leeds Post, that. Now there's a stat I hadn't spotted. If its been mentioned before, I haven't seen it:
"And Rovers have also scored the most goals in the top four division of English football – 42 – a statistic enriched by a member of his staff yesterday who told the Scot his team are the highest scorers in European football"
-
Whilst we are the highest scorers in England, we aren't in Europe. That's based on the Ladbrokes tweet which names some of the major clubs (barca, Real etc). Monaco have scored 49.
-
Christ that's some going - 16 games so more than 3 a game. Interestingly their top scorer is Falcao with 7 goals, or just over 14% of their goals. Compare that with PSG (Cavani, 14 of their 30, almost 47%), or even us where I thought we were sharing the goals around very well - Marquis, with 10, has just under 24% of our total.
-
Least we're top though, unlike Monaco!
-
Back o/t, the draw for the last 16 is on Thursday morning on SSN.
-
oK people what is the weather like in sunny Donny? bit of a foggy day down here in Nottingham, don't want a wasted journey
-
Well, currently it's not sunny that's for sure. And if you're going tonight I suggest you wrap up warm.
COYR
-
Was quite foggy the last time i looked out of my office window.
-
Just seen the team line up and with Keegan and Middleton starting I'm not expecting much slick passing and loads of movement.
Strong bench though!
-
Looks like Blackpool will be picking up another fine as they've made 10 changes.
-
Depends how many of them play in their next league game doesn't it?
-
Looks like Blackpool will be picking up another fine as they've made 10 changes.
I think we may get a fine as well with 9 changes
-
Looks like Blackpool will be picking up another fine as they've made 10 changes.
I think we may get a fine as well with 9 changes
We have got a strong bench which might get us off the hook. Blackpool have only five on theirs and two are kids.
-
Just been told we have five of our most regular starters in the starting Xi. Much thumbing of rule books!
Marosi, Mason, Evina, Williams and Wright.
-
Just been told we have five of our most regular starters in the starting Xi. Much thumbing of rule books!
Marosi, Mason, Evina, Williams and Wright.
I presume that is most regular starters over all competitions, not just the league?
-
I think it is 5 starters from the preceding and following fixtures?
-
I think it is 5 from
- starting the last match or
- starting the next match or
- from the 11 most frequent starters
only I am not sure if it is starters, or played some part of the match in all of the above, and if the third one is across all competitions or just league games?
-
I wonder if the competition organisers know?
Didnt Bradford get fined even though they allegedly stuck to the rules for the kick off but changed the keeper after three minutes.
-
Crowd of 1500 and all 4 stands open.
Are the club really that thick?
-
I wonder if the competition organisers know?
Didnt Bradford get fined even though they allegedly stuck to the rules for the kick off but changed the keeper after three minutes.
They were fined because it wasn't "in the spirit of the rules" or some bullshit.
-
Crowd of 1500 and all 4 stands open.
Are the club really that thick?
This is down to IRWT it was one of things that fans couldnt sit in there season ticket so rovers agreed to keep all stands open so the club are now losing loads of money to keep fans happy
-
Yes, i know that but they did adhere to the competition rules to start the game.
It seems like they can change the rules whenever they want to.
I wonder whether it isnt within the spirit of the game to knock the winner in with your hand but not let on to the ref and have the goal allowed.
(In response to Suerspy's post)
-
Well thank god that's over. Can we never mention this shit house experiment again?
-
How I feel about going out of the competition.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PScJmev83Ls
-
Yes, i know that but they did adhere to the competition rules to start the game.
It seems like they can change the rules whenever they want to.
I wonder whether it isnt within the spirit of the game to knock the winner in with your hand but not let on to the ref and have the goal allowed.
(In response to Suerspy's post)
Not disagreeing with you in the slightest mate, I was just saying I thought that's what happened :)
-
My mate just asked me if I'm upset at being out of the chaka Khan trophy. He said "I feel for you".
I said.......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXp96Um-TAs
-
Whether we like this competition or not what tonight showed. That We do not have one player in midfield who is anywhere near the first team four.
Keegan is going backwards Middleton strolls about in midfield he can't tackle as no pace his passing is poor.
Calder should be allowed to go back in the window and get a better player.
Beestin and Longbottom are not ready for the first team bench.
Then Evina and Garrett showed tonight that Mason a fill in left back as no pressure on his postion.
Therefore looking at the team tonight we have Williams or Mandeville to come off the bench and make a the difference.
Marosi was poor tonight and he should never be our first team keeper.
Let's see what happens in the January window.
-
Don't forget that many of that team haven't played much recently both as individuals and that set as a team.. I view this competition as a source of practice matches this season, so if the performance isn't great it can only get better..
-
Whether we like this competition or not what tonight showed. That We do not have one player in midfield who is anywhere near the first team four.
Keegan is going backwards Middleton strolls about in midfield he can't tackle as no pace his passing is poor.
Calder should be allowed to go back in the window and get a better player.
Beestin and Longbottom are not ready for the first team bench.
Then Evina and Garrett showed tonight that Mason a fill in left back as no pressure on his postion.
Therefore looking at the team tonight we have Williams or Mandeville to come off the bench and make a the difference.
Marosi was poor tonight and he should never be our first team keeper.
Let's see what happens in the January window.
Marosi was poor ?? Were we at the same match. Marosi was the reason we were only one down at half time and still in with a chance. He made three excellent saves and one world class one reminiscent of Banks. Add an excellent penalty save in the shoot out and he was voted a worthy man of the match in my opinion.
-
Been fantastic for the development of the younger players who now need to go out on loan in January. As for strengthening, we need a couple for cover but would try and stick with what we have, look where we are and dare I say strengthen at the end of the season for the new league 1 campaign
-
My mate, who was at the game, said Marosi was outstanding and kept us in it.
We definitely need a couple in for January. Hopefully we can keep Houghton and Mason. Calder can go back and we need a LB and midfielder on loan. We can then send Garratt, Beestin and Longbottom out on loan.
-
We have a very good 10 outfield players that have got us to the summit of div 2, but let's not kid ourselves, our squad is paper thin when it comes to having players capable of stepping in. Anyone who was there tonight would, hand on heart, have to admit it as it was so obvious.
The first half was as poor a performance from any Rovers team I can remember and I have witnessed some dross over the years. We can forgive the youngsters, but Keegan and Middleton are nowhere near a first team return. We simply do not have viable alternatives for any of the 4 current crop of midfielders and that is a worry going into a tough run of matches.
On the positive side, we have 2 from 3 strikers and, at a push, Wright could step in for an injury to Butler or Baudry. After that, I'm struggling to think of anyone capable. Beestin and Longbottom struggled all night and Calder was errrr Calder. We do need strengthening for the run-in and we should not underestimate that there is work to do to keep our foot on the peddle. There are no distractions now, so no excuses.
Keeper wise, I would go for an experienced (more vocal) replacement for Marosi. He has done ok but we have to be ruthless and this is a position where we can improve by having someone who is more commanding of his area. I think it would have a positive impact on the 4 defenders in front of him.
We definitely need another, for me, left sided solid midfield player, which gives us the opportunity to have Wroey and Copps that can do the attacking cm role.
So, for me, 2 or 3 good signings in January will have us cementing our position in the top 3.
-
Words fail me Alan...A replacement for Marosi?? Just what does he have to do?? I'm not sure what budget you think we operate but this is div2 not the championship...We are top of the league,and some players needed a run out obviously...We don't need much for me...
-
Marosi was our man of the match
-
Marks I my MOM. Thought he made some fantastic saves.
-
Words fail me Alan...A replacement for Marosi?? Just what does he have to do?
As I said, he has to be more commanding and more vocal. Yes, I openly admit he can make some excellent saves, but he can equally drop some b0ll0cks. The goal Blackpool scored last night went right through him, for example. The lad is OK, I've already said that and you're making more of what I am saying that needs be, but the defense has come in for a right slagging so far this season and yet, Marosi is the last line of that defense. I think a bit of experience in goal will benefit the whole team, that's all I'm saying.
I'm not sure what budget you think we operate
You might ask the same question of Blackpool, then! They made 10 changes last night. Surely, we have a better budget than Blackpool, ffs!! (Did you actually go last night?) All I went for was to see, with my own eyes, just how much strength in depth we really have and, I have to say, we look weak.
I was under the impression, before last night's game, that we had a more than able replacement for Houghton, in case his loan wasn't extended. How wrong was I? Keegan was woeful last night and, alongside him, Middleton was better, but only marginally. Like I said, the young 'uns are what they are - young lads with still a lot to learn, but what was more worrying was seeing the likes of Evina hauled off at half time. He is rapidly going backwards and that 3 year deal he was handed is now looking a bit hasty. Garrett was, dare I say it, even worse! and he too was hauled off by the manager. (I'll bet the dressing room was colourful at half time.)
These are things we need to address in January and we shouldn't be sitting on our laurels just because we're in top spot. I seem to remember, we got complacent not so long ago. IF we want to ensure that we are in one of those top 3 places in May, we need to act in January as I'll bet that 2 or 3 of the top 10 will be having a go and strengthening for the run-in. You can't stand still in football, otherwise you go backwards.
3 signings for me. You're welcome to your own opinions.
-
Nope I didn't go last night,i've stated before I am totally against the changes made to this competition and wouldn't be attending any matches ...Although I'm not sure how that's relevant in this case....Just because Keegan and Middleton appear to have struggled last night it doesn't mean they are not good enough if required...It's not like they are young pro's who we have not seen play before..Weve all seen Keegan and Middleton play and what they can bring to the table..And whilst I have always believed Middleton was a bit overated by some, both are good enough for this league...
For me this is were we pay for dropping the development team,as seasoned pro's out the side are not getting enough football,the idea was to arrange lots of friendly reserve games to balance this but unless they happen without our knowledge they seem to be few and far between....
January is not the time to be buying players as clubs inflate prices or wont release players from contracts, and whilst I agree one or two would have to be moved on in the summer if we get promoted what we have is good enough to get the job done....Maybe Calder will be sent back and replaced with a young creative midfielder but that would be about it for me...
As for Marosi,i've yet to see a league 1/2 goalkeeper who doesn't drop clangers but he has produced some big performances for us this season and is more than worth his no1 status and you've more to lose than gain if you go out and get someone else in....
-
agree with your comments Alan,you have got it right for me.
-
I also thought Marosi was outstanding last night and also though Middleton and Reston had good games,but deffo don't really Create anything when copps or Rowe doesn't play,great ball in by mason for the goal which helps when you play him in his correct position rather having to play him on the left so having to cut back in to cross
-
I'm not sure how you can say that Keegan and Middleton aren't good enough going on last night's showing. If two of Coppinger, Rowe and Blair were playing last night, they'd have looked a lot better. Even if one of them was. You can't expect to sign players who are as good as Houghton and just have them sit on the bench.
If we failed to get Houghton's loan extended (I think it's until January) or had a couple of injuries to key players I'd think differently, but I'd rather see us get 1-2 better quality players who will challenge for a first team spot than shift out Evina, Keegan, Middleton and Garrett and get 4 more bodies in as replacements.
-
I think people miss the point that if you take Coppinger and Rowe out of that team you take away a lot of the creativity. Keegan and Middleton are not going to substitute for that and Beestin and Longbottom are at early stages of their development.
I don't know if Middleton will kick on in the way that Mandeville has of late. He seems to have stayed in the "promising" category for a long time. I'm sure he will have a role to play alongside the likes of Copps and Rowe this season, but I can see a time coming when the gaffer thinks he needs better.
-
That's why I suggested releasing Calder back to Villa and bringing in a younger creative central midfielder or even keeping Calder and bringing 1 extra body in (fairplay budget withstanding)...Keegan and Middleton are both defensive midfielders so wont be able to take up Rowe or Copps positions successfully if they get injured...However for me that's all we need..We have a good squad,good team spirit,top of the league and injury's are easing off...No need to do to much..
-
I didn't go last night but I can accept that those that did saw a poor performance from the team and some individuals, especially in the first half as echoed by DF in the DFP today.
However one poor game doesn't make a poor player. Keegan and Middleton are probably out of form because they haven't played, Garratt too. Evina is on and off but when in form is of value attacking, and Wright and Beestin haven't looked out of place when in the first team. As for Marosi, he's doing well enough as our first choice IMHO.
Everyone can have a bad game or two..
Don't forget it is highly unlikely we would throw in all those players into the first 11 at the same time, so perhaps making one change to the current starting 11 isn't going to ruin our chances? Playing Middleton or Keegan alongside the current first team would probably see a better performance than last night. But we need to accept they won't be 100% sharp in a match immediately, as with Keegs last saturday.
For me, the left back position is a bit of a concern unless Mason stays here, Houghton must stay, and perhaps another attacking midfielder in the Rowe/Copps position - in case Gary MacSheffrey isn't ready for the team soon ish.
-
I'd go along with a lot of that IDM, but can I just clarify that my observations last night are not what I am solely making my judgements on - that would be ridiculous. For me, Calder has been utilised several times already this season and I just don't get it with him - we can and should do better in the market. So, we're not talking an additional player in the squad, rather a replacement, so no great damage to whatever the budget is (WC)?
I can accept your comment wrt Keegan and Middleton but, again, my views on both players are expressed taking that into account. I think Keegan was lucky to get another contract, as his injury record doesn't look good at all. Great if we could rely on him, but we simply can't. We do need Houghton to be retained. On Middleton, he's OK but he is not the kind of lad who is going to come off the bench in a match and change (or preferably improve) the team. For me, the jury is out on him. DF likes him and I suppose that's all that matters.
Evina is on borrowed time imho. Last night was his chance to show the manager that he really is up for it and he failed miserably on that score. Its no coincidence that things have improved since DF moved Mason over there but he's not left sided. I think he (Evina) may have a confidence issue but also, there is a definate problem with concentration and awareness - two basic commodities required of either a wing back or LB. Garratt we've hardly seen, so again, it was a chance for him last night also and all he showed the manager was that he's hardly ready to be anywhere near the first team, even at this level.
I'll re-iterate for those not getting the point - we have a good first team but when you look at the bench, that's when we start to hit the buffers. We have 1 striker option but no real (like-for-like) replacement for Marquis and we have a central defender who can cover in a match if needed. Who have we got in midfield who can and will turn a game for us? Answers on a postage stamp.
-
The frustration with players like Calder is that he can be excellent - as he was at Crewe away - but needs to play like that consistently..
-
I'd go along with a lot of that IDM, but can I just clarify that my observations last night are not what I am solely making my judgements on - that would be ridiculous. For me, Calder has been utilised several times already this season and I just don't get it with him - we can and should do better in the market. So, we're not talking an additional player in the squad, rather a replacement, so no great damage to whatever the budget is (WC)
No you are right on the midfield,Calder hasn't really kicked on and it wouldn't shock me if he was released back to Villa...So one in one out there...I'm not saying don't add a player to our current body's just not 3 or 4.....Of course that's dependent on us being able to extend the others loans...Houghton sounds positive but weve heard nothing about Mason...
-
I'd go along with a lot of that IDM, but can I just clarify that my observations last night are not what I am solely making my judgements on - that would be ridiculous. For me, Calder has been utilised several times already this season and I just don't get it with him - we can and should do better in the market. So, we're not talking an additional player in the squad, rather a replacement, so no great damage to whatever the budget is (WC)?
I can accept your comment wrt Keegan and Middleton but, again, my views on both players are expressed taking that into account. I think Keegan was lucky to get another contract, as his injury record doesn't look good at all. Great if we could rely on him, but we simply can't. We do need Houghton to be retained. On Middleton, he's OK but he is not the kind of lad who is going to come off the bench in a match and change (or preferably improve) the team. For me, the jury is out on him. DF likes him and I suppose that's all that matters.
Evina is on borrowed time imho. Last night was his chance to show the manager that he really is up for it and he failed miserably on that score. Its no coincidence that things have improved since DF moved Mason over there but he's not left sided. I think he (Evina) may have a confidence issue but also, there is a definate problem with concentration and awareness - two basic commodities required of either a wing back or LB. Garratt we've hardly seen, so again, it was a chance for him last night also and all he showed the manager was that he's hardly ready to be anywhere near the first team, even at this level.
I'll re-iterate for those not getting the point - we have a good first team but when you look at the bench, that's when we start to hit the buffers. We have 1 striker option but no real (like-for-like) replacement for Marquis and we have a central defender who can cover in a match if needed. Who have we got in midfield who can and will turn a game for us? Answers on a postage stamp.
spot on Alan was at match last night.you have hit the nail on the head.
-
Lund (Jan?) and McSheffrey (Feb?) should be good bench options when fit, plus McCullough (next season?)
Agree with most other comments on depth, with midfield the obvious area of concern. However we know the club can put up smokescreens, and if a pacy striker DF fancies becomes available (north of the border or elsewhere) it wouldn't surprise me if we added one.
-
We had that horrendous run of injuries going back to ATS at the last game of last season. Yet we are top of the league. We should, in most fixtures, be solid at the back with Alcock and Baudry now regulars.
Despite thoughts on individual players, I don't see a problem getting in one or two more - strengthen when on top etc...
-
The frustration with players like Calder is that he can be excellent - as he was at Crewe away - but needs to play like that consistently..
I think every professional player is capable of an excellent game at some point - he has consistently shown he isn't good enough and he can head off for me.
Alan - I think you're being greedy. You talk about having a "like-for-like replacement for Marquis" - I'd rather Mandeville come in for him than some of the shit journeymen 6 foot 3 forwards that are knocking around in this division and would be happy/affordable to come and sit on our bench. Likewise you talk about "who have we got in midfield that can and will turn a game for us"? We've got 3, in Rowe, Coppinger and Blair, but fortunately the manager has found a way to fit all 3 in the starting line up. McSheffrey can undoubtedly do the same, if he gets fit. We are not going to get a player of their quality to come and sit on the bench. We might get some maverick who has had the odd decent game and can turn his man occasionally but is that really worth it?
I think the priorities are to get Houghton and Mason tied down for the rest of the season, make a decision on whether Garrett is good enough for now and if not get a reserve left back in, (likewise Etherdge) and get a left footed attacking player (winger/forward) to replace Calder. Other than that I would be happy (injuries between now and the end of January notwithstanding) to carry on with what we've got, although if the board did make money available to get some players who would challenge for first team spots I would hope that Fergie would spend it.
-
I think the priorities are to get Houghton and Mason tied down for the rest of the season, make a decision on whether Garrett is good enough for now and if not get a reserve left back in, (likewise Etherdge) and get a left footed attacking player (winger/forward) to replace Calder. Other than that I would be happy (injuries between now and the end of January notwithstanding) to carry on with what we've got, although if the board did make money available to get some players who would challenge for first team spots I would hope that Fergie would spend it.
Completely agree with your assessment Nick, notwithstanding my comment on smokescreens above which would apply if the second part of your remark transpires. Given the new more restrictive loan rules, the board might just think about it - expectations are now set and potentially we have a lot to lose.
-
Surely there will also be Frazer Richardson's wages freed up in January
-
I also thought Marosi was outstanding last night and also though Middleton and Reston had good games,but deffo don't really Create anything when copps or Rowe doesn't play,great ball in by mason for the goal which helps when you play him in his correct position rather having to play him on the left so having to cut back in to cross
People need to watch Mason carefully.
He doesn't need to cut back inside to cross the ball.
He is a genuine two footed player and is more than happy to play the ball or cross it with his left foot.
As we are now our first choice back four is excellent.
-
As we are now our first choice back four is excellent.
Steady - why is the defense getting so much slagging, then? And why are we conceding so many goals. Perspective check!
Lund (Jan?) and McSheffrey (Feb?) should be good bench options when fit, plus McCullough (next season?)
Completely agree Dutch - but specifically not mentioned either as question marks remain over their respective recoveries from injury. We've already taken a risk on McSheffrey's fitness and look how that's turned out!
Alan - I think you're being greedy. You talk about having a "like-for-like replacement for Marquis"
Nick, I never said we need a like-for-like replacement for Marquis - just stating the obvious that we don't possess one. I am not being greedy at all. I just want most of our bases covered. We took our collective eyes off the ball, as it were, only last season. Are you really suggesting we do the same again? I think the Board are a bit more experienced and aware now, at least I hope they are.
-
As we are now our first choice back four is excellent.
Steady - why is the defense getting so much slagging, then? And why are we conceding so many goals. Perspective check!
I did say "as we are now".
OK we conceded three at Stevenage but in the previous games with the current back four we conceded a goal at Exeter, a penalty against Hartlepool and a brilliant unsaveable free kick against Orient.
So just four goals in open play in four games.
Carlisle have conceded 8 in their last four games.
Plymouth 8 in their last four.
-
The goal Exeter scored was a penalty too??
-
The thing for me re January is that I am sure that the board want to see success and will fund whatever they can with their own budgets! Personally I would like to see 4 new/resignings (which hopefully include extensions and possibly 'with a permanent option' on Mason and houghton - I've said before that I would go (if possible) for a 'better' clear number 1 to allow both etheridge and marosi to improve and another striking option! The problem is the balance and improvement of the squad so should we get promotion we really hit the ground running - I see no issue in improving on strength in depth but would prefer any signings to be of higher calibre than what's already there - ready for the next step so a whole rebuild doesn't have to occur in summer! As for who I'd go for - no idea really, I'm not paid to scout! Strengthening should mean where poss strengthening the starting XI hence strengthening the whole squad so our bench continually looks strong as well!
-
Get Chris Brown back to Donny.
-
I think it will be safe to say by now, DF will know his targets for January and also know who has no future at DRFC.
He'll also know that his targets can be funded in one way or another and, we should not be surprised if he pulls a rabbit out of the hat!
-
Pulls a rabbit out of the hat... bunny ... bunny warren - he's signing Lee Warren to be our new midfield dynamo!!
-
Keegan needs time to get back to form.
A couple of years ago he was a regular in our Championship side and did OK in what was a tough league.
-
The goal Exeter scored was a penalty too??
Crickey, I had forgotten that.
That makes us even better then.
The second half at Stevenage was just a blip , one of those things that happens from time to time.
-
IT IS A BAD IDEA!!!!!
This competition is for lower league teams, PERIOD! If the top divisions want an u-21 or u-23 league that is competitive enough to blood their young players, then let them have their own!! FFS there could even be a sponsored televised tournament if there was enough interest, but stay the feck out of the Associate Member's Cup!!!!
-
If we win tonight then we are in the last 16 and at that stage it becomes an open draw. So we could face a long trek in the next round. Norwich B away, anyone? :s
Wow!
Another one of the little changes, which when stacked against the others, continues to make this competition lack any serious credibility.
I still maintain that having Under 21s teams (as long as they are just that) isn't a bad idea - it's the crap planning, knee-jerk and 'make it up as we go along' rules/resolutions which has alienated too many folk.
It'd just be in keeping with the Benny Hill-type organisation iif the final got shifted Wycombe or somewhere daft, if it ended up as Sunderland's Under 28s vs Swansea's Under 31s or whatever.
Actually I agree with you there.
The U-21 sides should be just that and you need the clubs with the best academies. The fact that Man United, Man City and Arsenal, for example, are not there, devalues the competition badly.
Also FL teams should be allowed to play who they want. If they field their kids, and they do well (eg Luton) they should not be punished for it.
I was against the concept of the competition before because I thought it was a Trojan Horse for B Teams in the Football League. That's dead (for now) but this competition could work if only the EFL leadership wasn't useless at stakeholder Management.
My guess is that it will limp on in the current format (with Reading u-21s plus over age players etc.) for another season then will be killed off entirely. An opportunity missed because of poor planning and management.
-
I think the competition has been fatally damaged. The EFL needed to ensure all the PL academies were on board and think about things like fixture dates long in advance.
One key reason why the big boys didn't compete is because traditionally the early rounds are played at the start of international weeks. However U-21 players at the big clubs are usually on international duty - or at least the better ones are- with age group sides.
Also the EFL seemed to be totally blindsided by the fact that development football has this season changed from U-21 to U-23. The EFL kept this as an U-21 competition but allowed over-age players. It should have been U-23 but with no over-age players allowed.
Whoever was responsible should be collecting their P45.
-
Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against the top clubs developing their young players in competitive matches, especially if they have young English (and other home nations) players for the good of their international futures.
However I think that this particular tournament is not the right place for that, and if that makes me a traditionalist then so be it.
Why not make the league cup U-23 for Premier and Championship teams? for some of them it more or less is anyway??
-
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/dec/08/checkatrade-trophy-english-football-league (https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/dec/08/checkatrade-trophy-english-football-league)
-
They should make the league cup for those below the previous seasons top six in the premier league down. The top six of our country and each British countries top six with two highest qualifiers making it upto thirty two teams.
It would create fresh interest in all British football. A knockout cup competition of each countries best. Even if the Arsenal's or Chelsea's played young kids in the games, especially away from home there would still be plenty of interest.
It would give young players experience against better side's many of whom qualify for Europe each year. Sort of a British Champions league knockout. It would improve our young players, improve the other nations players and some extra revenue and i suspect many fans would like it.
The EFL Trophy should revert back to the lower football league but with so many also qualifying to play from the conference.
-
I read that Guardian article last night. I dare say they will go back to the old JPT format next season. I have my doubts that will be enough to give the competition back its credibility.
-
They should make the league cup for those below the previous seasons top six in the premier league down. The top six of our country and each British countries top six with two highest qualifiers making it upto thirty two teams.
It would create fresh interest in all British football. A knockout cup competition of each countries best. Even if the Arsenal's or Chelsea's played young kids in the games, especially away from home there would still be plenty of interest.
It would give young players experience against better side's many of whom qualify for Europe each year. Sort of a British Champions league knockout. It would improve our young players, improve the other nations players and some extra revenue and i suspect many fans would like it.
The EFL Trophy should revert back to the lower football league but with so many also qualifying to play from the conference.
For one thing, that would kill the cup - and another, games are played on Tuesday night so that would in no way work.
And of course the small matter that the other FAs would never agree to it...
-
If Shaun wants to stick to his argument it's about youth development, easy, make it about youth development. All EFL teams (including championship) must enter the comp, all teams must play a minimum of 5 under-21 players, who play at least 60 minutes in every game. Scrap the group stages and make it a simple knockout comp with no replays. And make sure there's a legitimate, big prize fund for winning at Wembley and also making the latter stages. Simple.
-
I see we would have drawn Wycombe Wanderers at home in the last 16.
That should have given us a fair chance of reaching the quarter finals.
-
They should make the league cup for those below the previous seasons top six in the premier league down. The top six of our country and each British countries top six with two highest qualifiers making it upto thirty two teams.
It would create fresh interest in all British football. A knockout cup competition of each countries best. Even if the Arsenal's or Chelsea's played young kids in the games, especially away from home there would still be plenty of interest.
It would give young players experience against better side's many of whom qualify for Europe each year. Sort of a British Champions league knockout. It would improve our young players, improve the other nations players and some extra revenue and i suspect many fans would like it.
The EFL Trophy should revert back to the lower football league but with so many also qualifying to play from the conference.
I'm not sure who benefits from a tournament in which the best English clubs resoundingly annihilate The New Saints, Linfield and Aberdeen every year before playing each other when they already face off twice in the Premier League with more at stake.
-
They should make the league cup for those below the previous seasons top six in the premier league down. The top six of our country and each British countries top six with two highest qualifiers making it upto thirty two teams.
It would create fresh interest in all British football. A knockout cup competition of each countries best. Even if the Arsenal's or Chelsea's played young kids in the games, especially away from home there would still be plenty of interest.
It would give young players experience against better side's many of whom qualify for Europe each year. Sort of a British Champions league knockout. It would improve our young players, improve the other nations players and some extra revenue and i suspect many fans would like it.
The EFL Trophy should revert back to the lower football league but with so many also qualifying to play from the conference.
I'm not sure who benefits from a tournament in which the best English clubs resoundingly annihilate The New Saints, Linfield and Aberdeen every year before playing each other when they already face off twice in the Premier League with more at stake.
The young players who would more likely play. Is it tougher to face sides who qualify for European football or leagues one and two sides?. I know some of the sides might not even be as good as league one and two but some are.
It would be good preparation for young kids playing some of the bottom rung European sides like your Dundalk's or Linfield's. Also maybe playing in a big game at Ibrox or Celtic Park. Whatever the teams picked you could bet those stadiums would be almost full.
-
It's probably more beneficial for them to play in a pre-season friendly against Celtic than it is to play Linfield, TNS then Celtic in this British Cup. I do not believe the standard of those clubs in other British countries are even as good as League Two level. Wasn't Dave Morley playing for one of them in a Champions League qualifier a few years ago!? Says it all.
-
They should make the league cup for those below the previous seasons top six in the premier league down. The top six of our country and each British countries top six with two highest qualifiers making it upto thirty two teams.
It would create fresh interest in all British football. A knockout cup competition of each countries best. Even if the Arsenal's or Chelsea's played young kids in the games, especially away from home there would still be plenty of interest.
It would give young players experience against better side's many of whom qualify for Europe each year. Sort of a British Champions league knockout. It would improve our young players, improve the other nations players and some extra revenue and i suspect many fans would like it.
The EFL Trophy should revert back to the lower football league but with so many also qualifying to play from the conference.
I'm not sure who benefits from a tournament in which the best English clubs resoundingly annihilate The New Saints, Linfield and Aberdeen every year before playing each other when they already face off twice in the Premier League with more at stake.
The young players who would more likely play. Is it tougher to face sides who qualify for European football or leagues one and two sides?. I know some of the sides might not even be as good as league one and two but some are.
It would be good preparation for young kids playing some of the bottom rung European sides like your Dundalk's or Linfield's. Also maybe playing in a big game at Ibrox or Celtic Park. Whatever the teams picked you could bet those stadiums would be almost full.
They'd have a problem playing Dundalk as they're from the Republic of Ireland but I take your point.
Signed. A Pedant
-
They should make the league cup for those below the previous seasons top six in the premier league down. The top six of our country and each British countries top six with two highest qualifiers making it upto thirty two teams.
It would create fresh interest in all British football. A knockout cup competition of each countries best. Even if the Arsenal's or Chelsea's played young kids in the games, especially away from home there would still be plenty of interest.
It would give young players experience against better side's many of whom qualify for Europe each year. Sort of a British Champions league knockout. It would improve our young players, improve the other nations players and some extra revenue and i suspect many fans would like it.
The EFL Trophy should revert back to the lower football league but with so many also qualifying to play from the conference.
I'm not sure who benefits from a tournament in which the best English clubs resoundingly annihilate The New Saints, Linfield and Aberdeen every year before playing each other when they already face off twice in the Premier League with more at stake.
The young players who would more likely play. Is it tougher to face sides who qualify for European football or leagues one and two sides?. I know some of the sides might not even be as good as league one and two but some are.
It would be good preparation for young kids playing some of the bottom rung European sides like your Dundalk's or Linfield's. Also maybe playing in a big game at Ibrox or Celtic Park. Whatever the teams picked you could bet those stadiums would be almost full.
They'd have a problem playing Dundalk as they're from the Republic of Ireland but I take your point.
Signed. A Pedant
Yes i included their teams also even though they are not part of the British set up.