U's issue EFL Trophy statement
EFL Trophy – Club Statement
Darryl Eales writes:
"There has been a significant amount of debate amongst supporters about the revamped format of the EFL Trophy. If nothing else, it is a reminder that football is a game of passion, friendly argument and opinion and, ultimately belongs to the supporters!
"Having been a lifelong football supporter and now the privileged owner of this great football club, I would like to cut through some of the more extreme views surrounding the new format, and, in particular, any suggestion that this is the precursor to ‘B’ teams joining the Football League.
Here are my views :
1. This is a one year experiment – period. The club will not vote for a continuation of this format and the inclusion of ‘B’ teams going forward.
Given this position, I would like to think that we will support the experiment and get behind the team, as the prize is still a day out at Wembley.
To be clear, it is this experiment that the Board voted for and nothing else. A boycott is, of course, the fans prerogative but the reality is it harms the club more than the competition.
2. It is not the ‘thin end of the wedge’ and this club will never support the introduction of ‘B’ teams into the league structure. Moreover, every Chairman I have spoken to about this issue is in full agreement that this will never happen.
Moreover, to reiterate the rules, even if it went to a vote, it would require over 90% of clubs to vote in favour. This, in my view, simply will not happen.
I commend supporters for their passionate desire to protect and defend our game – and long may this continue – but we need to retain perspective and ensure we fight the battles that need fighting, rather than those which haven’t arisen, and in my view, won’t arise.
To conclude :
1. We will support the experiment and I encourage all fans to support the team – even if you do not support the competition.
2. The club will never vote, under my stewardship for the inclusion of ‘B’ teams in the League structure. Your Board is in full agreement with this."