EFL Trophy News

[Sammy Chung was King]

If they wanted to ruin it, why didn't they just rename it the 'sheffield county cup/all the other areas involved'?.

[The Red Baron]

http://mobile.afcwimbledon.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/efl-trophy-game-3257225.aspx

[mattco]

Good on you Wimbledon!

[Retdon1]

Fair play Wimbledon

[The Red Baron]

Good article by James Shield in the Star.

http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/james-shield-s-sheffield-united-column-what-a-complete-and-utter-farce-1-8089791

[bobjimwilly]

Checkatrade Trophy sees attendances fall as the #BTeamBoycott bites

Photos showing empty grounds as fans across football boycott EFL Trophy

Checkatrade Trophy: Low crowds & manager cameos

[Sammy Chung was King]

I didn't realise the same thing was happening in Scotland with the Irn-Bru Trophy.

http://spfl.co.uk/challenge-cup/results/

They have under 20s rather than under 23s.

I noticed the same, i suspect that's where the idea came from. For me there was nothing that a few tweaks here and there wouldn't have solved with the loan system. It was pretty much bang on just a few loop holes needed tightening.
 The young players got experience from getting of their comfort zone and dropping down the league's to learn.
How playing a few games in a third rate cup, because that's what they have made it, is supposed to improve our chances for england i have no idea. The young players would learn more joining foreign sides as well as having stints in the lower league's, then you have the best of both worlds.

[idler]

Just be very physical with the u23 teams.
The foreign lads won't like the physicality and neither will their clubs.
Any cards only count in this competition as well so you won't miss league games.

[RedJ]

I didn't realise the same thing was happening in Scotland with the Irn-Bru Trophy.

http://spfl.co.uk/challenge-cup/results/

They have under 20s rather than under 23s.

I noticed the same, i suspect that's where the idea came from. For me there was nothing that a few tweaks here and there wouldn't have solved with the loan system. It was pretty much bang on just a few loop holes needed tightening.

Well not sure what loans have to do with this, but...

In response to your point, it was FIFA that ended the emergency loans system. It was actually scrapped a few years ago but the FA got us a few extra years.

[bpoolrover]

The fleetwood chairman put prices up and told fans not to bother going

[glosterred]

The tickets for the Derby and Port Vale games are now available, I have bought mine and will be there supporting my team, Doncaster Rovers and not the competition.

COYR

[Muttley]

The tickets for the Derby and Port Vale games are now available, I have bought mine and will be there supporting my team, Doncaster Rovers and not the competition.

COYR

Give Rovers a shout from me then, cos I will definitely not be there!

[glosterred]

The tickets for the Derby and Port Vale games are now available, I have bought mine and will be there supporting my team, Doncaster Rovers and not the competition.

COYR

Give Rovers a shout from me then, cos I will definitely not be there!

Will do

COYR

[Sammy Chung was King]

I didn't realise the same thing was happening in Scotland with the Irn-Bru Trophy.

http://spfl.co.uk/challenge-cup/results/

They have under 20s rather than under 23s.

I noticed the same, i suspect that's where the idea came from. For me there was nothing that a few tweaks here and there wouldn't have solved with the loan system. It was pretty much bang on just a few loop holes needed tightening.

Well not sure what loans have to do with this, but...

In response to your point, it was FIFA that ended the emergency loans system. It was actually scrapped a few years ago but the FA got us a few extra years.

My brain tends to wander in other directions from the post at hand. I have only found that out myself watching the transfer window programme on five live.

[bobjimwilly]

"FA Technical Director Dan Ashworth discusses the revamped Checkatrade Trophy. "

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wXcK1fBuz8" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wXcK1fBuz8</a>

Another man from the FA suggesting, in his opinion, the EFL Trophy is perfect to develop young players from Premier League and Championship academies. He briefly mentions it's a good platform for teams "throughout the leagues" to improve their younger players; obviously is not aware that "Each EFL Club shall play its full available strength in and during all Matches." (EFL Trophy Rules). These videos just come across as the EFL still trying to justify the ridiculous rule changes 

[bobjimwilly]

EFL chief Shaun Harvey, again, tries to defend the indefensible: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37544161

[wing commander]

   Shaun Harvey....Another clown put in a position without the obvious first clue about Football, but no doubt can turn a few quid... Another one who will sit in front of fans groups,smile,nod his head,pretend to be interested and give you all the lip service you can muster while secretly wondering how he can fleece a bit more money out of you...That interview says everything you need to know about his aims...

[DonnyOsmond]

http://m.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37540062

I agree with Karl Robinson. Competition is changed to help develop young players yet we get punished for playing ours, it's ridiculous.

Also, looking back at this page I reckon Paul McKay would be pushing for a place in our team this season but not the other two.

[selby]

Pick representative U18 U20andU22s from each division including national league. Apoint a dedicated manager/coach from the F A and play matches in a mini league the last Thursday of the month every month of the season then the best players would come through and not all of them would be from the top divisions.

[IDM]

Play the regional groups in pre season..

[The Red Baron]

While I'm sure a lot of people are not attending due to the involvement of B Teams I can't help thinking the group stages may also be a turn off.

We used to have them and I can remember some games being poorly attended then.

[bobjimwilly]

attendances last night (taken from FSF Facebook; compiled by Against League 3)

[glosterred]

Just wonder, if and it is an if, Rovers got to the final, how many of those who have been boycotting the games will come out of the woodwork and support Rovers at Wembley?

COYR

[selby]

   I think everyone should have respect for anyone boycotting the matches on principle.I honestly think the format is being undermined by clubs like Derby who use it to play first team players
   It is also showing up how weak the current academy system is at our bigger clubs, as well as the coaching of the young players.Not many players seam to have any individual flair, or confidence to do the unexpected.
   Lets hope a more acceptable format to the fans of the smaller clubs can be found for next season.
   As for myself ,I find it funny that after one game sides like Derby are having to resort to first team players to be competative,while we seam to think it O.K. to play our younger players(or if you like a weekand team)to protect the fist team players in smaller sqauds.
    It comes down to quality,they are not as good as they think,and the lower league sides are better than the vast majority of supporters think they are.

[roversdude]

Let's face it even Curtis Main can score in this competition although he did have his go faster ear warmers on

[Sammy Chung was King]

Play the regional groups in pre season..

A good idea that. Play so many pre season games then make this cup the traditional 'curtain opener'.

[albie]

Decent article on the farce this competition has become;
The revamped EFL Trophy is a complete and utter failure – and here’s why | John Ashdown | Football | The Guardian

I think gates will be very low again,  discredited competition and parky weather. 

I hope whoever dreamed up this idea is found a less demanding role in future.

[The Red Baron]

DF seems quite a fan.

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-cup-that-is-dividing-football-x36b0v6cb?shareToken=640c66625ba96a615474880818a183ba

I actually think he's used the competition pretty well, although I think he's really used it in place of a Development Team.

However, he's right that if two B Teams reach the final it will be a bit of a disaster. I'd say it will be if one gets there.

[DearneValleyRover]

Just wonder, if and it is an if, Rovers got to the final, how many of those who have been boycotting the games will come out of the woodwork and support Rovers at Wembley?

COYR

I wouldn't go.

[Prez]

Erm i would.