http://www.efl.com/news/article/2016/premier-league-trial-for-the-trophy-3140598.aspx The League Trophy will have a pilot format for 2016-2017, with 48 teams from League One and League Two, plus 16 developmental teams from Premiership sides. Group play at the R-64. Described as developing more home-grown players; not sure if this means there will be a limit of non-English players for any side.
I'm assuming that's the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. How is it decided which 16 of the 20 Premier League clubs will have a youth/reserve club enter?
I was going to assume this, then read the article and it confirms it from what I can gather. It looks to be based on the EPPP status. So not all clubs in the Prem will have EPPP Status 1, some will only have status 2. Overall it sounds like a good idea. As I've mentioned in the MLS group, players playing u21, don't always feel tested by playing against other u21 teams. So this will give those not going on loan a shot at playing first team level. Might even give them a chance to get a loan or permanent move.
Its the level that is given to the teams academy. You have to meet certain criteria to get to each level, staffing, facilities etc. And it allows you to play in the higher leagues in the academy structure and I think a preference on signing youth players maybe? Not 100% sure on that last bit.
http://www.espnfc.com/english-premi...-sides-set-to-reject-efl-trophy-offer-reports is titled "Premier League academy sides set to reject EFL Trophy offer - reports."
Format seems to be going forward. (Note that it lists the "invited" clubs; not that each club has confirmed): http://www.efl.com/news/article/2016/efl-trophy-format-confirmed-for-201617-3170687.aspx When I see statements like... "The new format is intended to rejuvenate this competition and also assist the development of the very best young players in English football." -or- "The overriding aim of the Elite Player Performance Plan across the Premier League and English Football League is to produce more and better home grown players capable of performing at first team and international levels." ...remind me that they neglected to mention: "...and to avoid screw-ups against Iceland again."
Roundly condemned as a terrible idea over here, and purely about the premier league putting some cash in - which is odd as the premier league clubs don't seem keen on entering. Part of the problem is that some dates apparently clash with international dates, so the U21 players might not even be available.
http://www.football.co.uk/barnsley/...ready-to-widen-net-to-complete-efl-t/7651535/ And if you can scrape together ten of your friends, you too can participate in the Trophy. OK, not to that level yet, but sometimes you wonder if these ideas don't get finalized before they are announced.
I hear thats why Man City have declined, and some of the bigger names are expected to as well. I'm not sure where that leaves things? In terms of development it is a good thing, but as I discussed with a friend, he wasn't keen on his team playing youngsters, or what sort of selection teams would have, or who would turn up to watch these games. Bad organisation if they hadn't fulled discussed with all the clubs though.
EFL Trophy: Teams and draw revealed Posted: Wed 27 Jul 2016 The EFL today confirmed the 16 Category 1 Academy sides that will join Sky Bet League One and Sky Bet League Two clubs in the 2016/17 EFL Trophy. http://www.efl.com/news/article/2016/efl-trophy-teams-and-draw-revealed-3209611.aspx EFL Trophy: Group Stage draw Posted: Wed 27 Jul 2016 The draw for the Group Stage of the 2016/17 EFL Trophy has been made. Each group consists of four teams, including a Category 1 Academy team. Each club will play each other once, either home or away. http://www.efl.com/news/article/2016/efl-trophy-group-stage-draw-3209367.aspx EFL Trophy: Group Stage fixtures Posted: Wed 27 Jul 2016 http://www.efl.com/news/article/2016/efl-trophy-group-stage-fixtures-3209807.aspx By Mark Worrall English Football League Trophy could give Chelsea youngsters a boost http://www.espnfc.us/club/chelsea/3...could-give-chelsea-youngsters-boost-they-need
EFL Trophy: Q&A with EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey Posted: Thu 28 Jul 2016 http://www.efl.com/news/article/201...efl-chief-executive-shaun-harvey-3211707.aspx some descriptions that League teams must field at least six players that regularly play matches, while the invited sides must have six players under 21. Also some discussion on why some Premier teams passed So even I have made a joke or two about this competition, but in the end, this falls into "crack open some eggs to make your omelet." It may not be perfect, but will be re-evaluated afterwards.
The competition is dying on its arse, with nobody really seeing to care until until gets to the semi-final stage. Teams regularly field reserve sides in the early rounds. Ideas of premier leagues sides proving some sort of glamour to it have been laughed away. Chinese TV is not going to be splashing millions for the TV rights to show Reading U21s v Yeovil at 3 am.
im looking forward to it anyway because i have got two new grounds to tick off afc wimbledon and newport with swans under 23s and it is a chance to go to wembley although i dont think the swans under 23s will make it that far who knows anything can happen
Future direction of this tournament is being discussed: http://www.efl.com/news/article/2016/efl-statement-checkatrade-trophy-3670256.aspx Oh, yeah, the final was Coventry City [2-1] Oxford United: http://www.efl.com/news/article/201...fitting-finale-efls-shaun-harvey-3654500.aspx Coventry will now have to defend this title (if the tournament still exists) as a League Two side, being relegated from League One.
I do not support a British league. I want 3 strong leagues in Great Britain. But I think the Football League Trophy should invite foreign guest teams. For instance all Scottish Premier who have not qualified for Europe, plus selected teams from the Welsh Cymru Premier League. Plus selected teams from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Plus lower division sides from the Netherlands, and Belgium, France. Scotland has allowed Northern Irish and Welsh sides in the Scottish Challenge Cup. So UEFA would probably be OK. I would love a handful of Scottish v English games each season in the smaller trophies, esch year. Imagine games like Motherwell v Tranmere Rovers, and Wrexham v Dundee. It would be fun.