Thetownend.com

So I see all 48 clubs will now have a vote on whether to continue as-is, make changes or scrap the competition entirely

http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/swindon_town_2014/15218094.Clubs_to_vote_on_future_of_Checkatrade_Trophy/

Seems unlikely it'll be scrapped but nice to see they went to Walsall to discuss it and not the Algarve.

What do you think?

It should take a minimal format and obviously not include the stupid Prem U23 sides.

What bribes/threats are being offered by the FA/FL this time?

 Addressing the concerns around the full-strength team policy by improving the eligibility criteria for EFL teams

- Goalkeepers will not count towards the full-strength quota and only four qualifying outfield players will need to be named on team sheets

- A qualifying outfield player would be considered as any player who meets the same full strength criteria as 2016/17, is on loan from a Premier League or Category 1 club or has made 40 first team appearances (if this criteria was applied in 2016/17 only two fines would have been levied)

- Significant increase in prize money

- Regionalisation until the quarter-final stage (improved from 2nd Round in 2016/17) to minimise travel for clubs and fans

- Flexibility of fixture dates to allow teams to schedule games outside of international weeks

As a result of the discussion and subsequent debate, Clubs will now be asked to vote on the following:

- A revised format including 16 invited teams

- A return to the previous 48-team competition, exclusive to League One and Two

- Remove the competition from the fixture calendar

http://mobile.efl.com//news/article/2016/efl-statement-checkatrade-trophy-3670256.aspx

...and yet another meeting is organised where the much needed question isn't being asked.

- Shall we just get rid of the competition altogether?

Ahem

Well clearly, Walsall rather than then Algarve is a strong indicator of the economy going down the pan post Brexit.

As regards the comp, if it does continue, I just want us to be in it for 18/19

Pffft you expect me to read everything?

 ???

Bring the anglo Italian cup back, we were good at that!

Stick a fork in it, it's done.

Get rid.

I like this idea except literally, just remove it from the calendar. Still run it, but have the matches happen at any time like the old WWF hardcore championship. Just finished a tough 4-0 thrashing away at Carlisle? Better get back in that coach quickly because you've got Plymouth away in three hours and you're going to be late!

Still wouldn't be more farcical than this season.

That is a great idea but it's almost got me wondering if this isn't what's been actually happening and half our fixtures have been a surprise. Are you fredi?

I'd like penalties to be replaced with subbuteo.

They will probably be back in the Algarve for the AGM as it is such an important AGM they need to take chairman on a Jolly

Well the 8.1% win.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39895497

Changes are:

More flexible team selection rules.

Improved prize money (I wonder how Power voted??).

Prem kids play all games away from home.


So, again, we will see shit gates and the EFL putting a spin on it. Fuck you fans, its all about the money. Something that seems to have dripped down from the Premier League!

The unfortunate Boycott will remain for me at least. No thanks.

Boycott from me as well. Its not like we've got to go to these games to see young Premiership players at the CG. I'm sure everything other than the additional money is irrelevant to the argument.

I certainly won't be making any effort to go to any of these games

I probably wont be going to games involving the U21's (I think they have to have 6 players under 23), I didn't last time and didn't go to many of the other trophy games, its been ruined, and I'm sure now all prem teams will enter a team as they can schedule it outside of the international window to help them, and they can play away, that is what the likes of liverpool complained about.

No games for me.

Didn't got last season and won't be going this coming one either.

The boycott continues then.

Had Oxford fans adhered to the boycott it would have probably buried it. Cov fans I could understand, as they're protests are elsewhere.

However, I would suggest it now means our defeating them on pens now counts...

Looks like we voted to get rid of the b teams.... This combined with Power's comments earlier this week - has he had some sort of personality transplant?

:D
I was thinking the same thing... either that or he's drinking heavily.

I reckon he's been subject to a Disney movie plot where he's been body swapped with a big-hearted lovable sheepdog and now back in his body has realised the error of his previous ways and resolved to be a better person, using the motto "What would Shep do?". It will all be fine until half way through next season when someone throws a stick into the director's box...

I'm staggered, utterly amazed.

fair play to the club for listening.

still not going, obviously.

 :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:
I'd watch that

Or got married  :hmmm:
There'll be bloody throw cushions in the town end before you know it..

I shan't bother going, although the 4k miles is probably the main reason.

Pah! Fucking fair weather fan..