EFL Trophy Group Stage Draw 27 July - Confirmation of Category 1 Academy invitations

[The Albion Roar]

Let's just say they may just be one around the corner.

Maybe. But they've had long enough to get a sponsor on board. That Guardian story is from four months ago, and Johnson would have served notice much longer ago than that.

The point is, they've announced the competition without finalising all the details. Some issues are still yet to be decided.

How shambolic does that make the Football League look?

 

[Thunder Bolt]

So is it set in stone now for this season then?

I haven't said that. Whoever the new sponsor is, needs to get a move on.

 

[Deleted member 2719]

I haven't said that. Whoever the new sponsor is, needs to get a move on.

The wheels may just be in motion as we speak.

 

[The Albion Roar]

The wheels may just be in motion as we speak.

'May be'...? They should have been flying months ago.

 

[Springal]

The wheels may just be in motion as we speak.

I'm pretty sure it wasn't in the marketing plan to only get a sponsor onboard ONCE the competition had been drawn and organised right? Embarrassing from the FL

 

[Deleted member 2719]

'May be'...? They should have been flying months ago.

Maybe the approach has only been weeks ago.

 

[Deleted member 2719]

I'm pretty sure it wasn't in the marketing plan to only get a sponsor onboard ONCE the competition had been drawn and organised right? Embarrassing from the FL

Don't get me wrong i ain't sticking up for the FL. It may just get a sponsor that's all i am saying.

 

[Springal]

Don't get me wrong i ain't sticking up for the FL. It may just get a sponsor that's all i am saying.

Sure I would hope they could get some kind of sponsor... think the point the OP was making was it was slightly embarrassing to get this far without a sponsor

 

[Deleted member 2719]

Sure I would hope they could get some kind of sponsor... think the point the OP was making was it was slightly embarrassing to get this far without a sponsor

Ok, i get their post but things may just change.

 

[The Albion Roar]

Maybe the approach has only been weeks ago.

So how shabby is it that they delay finding a new sponsor?

They have known for months that Johnson wasn't renewing its sponsorship. Replacing them ought to have been one of their first tasks; it would have been good to have potential suitors queueing up at the door. Instead, the FL has spent its time trying to woo PL academies into the competition - with limited success - in the forlorn hope of catching a much higher profile sponsor.

Which leads us to the nonsense we've got now...

I'm sure they can find a sponsor - but they really should have had one by now.

 

[pornomagboy]

might get to watch brighton at Wembley

Sent from my SM-G928F using Tapatalk

 

[Official Old Man]

Bet the Everton fans are looking up the train times to Cheltenham.
Just had an interview on 5Live but caught only the ending. Someone moaning about not being in the draw with West Ham even though they are a couple of miles away.

 

[Joshski]

Not sure if it's already been mentioned but am surprised at West Ham playing their home games at the Olympic Stadium for this competition, surely they won't get more than 4-8k fans and they are paying something like 250k every time they lease the stadium? :/

 

[Bob!]

Not sure if it's already been mentioned but am surprised at West Ham playing their home games at the Olympic Stadium for this competition, surely they won't get more than 4-8k fans and they are paying something like 250k every time they lease the stadium? :/

West Ham have three away games in the group stage.

 

[Super Steve Earle]

I just don't understand the negativity on this thread. What's not to like. Our U23s get to play a bit of proper competitive men's football in readiness for a possible first team squad call up. I'll say it again - what's not to like?

 

[Thunder Bolt]

I just don't understand the negativity on this thread. What's not to like. Our U23s get to play a bit of proper competitive men's football in readiness for a possible first team squad call up. I'll say it again - what's not to like?

Ask the League 1 and 2 teams what they think.

 

[Notters]

What happens if we get to the Cup Final and League Cup final playing every round at home? And the Play Offs and the U23s get to the final with every knockout round at home? (I know!) Aren't we limited to the number of games that the Amex can host? And if so, I guess that just a few home cup ties for both teams along with U23 league fixtures mean we will get close.

I think it's 50 outdoor events in total so unlikely to be an issue.

 

[spence]

Ask the League 1 and 2 teams what they think.

Why ask them? I support BHA. This can only be good for our kids.

 

[Guy Fawkes]

I just don't understand the negativity on this thread. What's not to like. Our U23s get to play a bit of proper competitive men's football in readiness for a possible first team squad call up. I'll say it again - what's not to like?

The probable lack of crowds at games for both the academy sides and for the league 1 and 2 sides (as normal with this competition) If fans don't turn up now to watch a div 2 team take on a div 1 team, why would they pay to travel / watch what is basically a youth team without any star names playing?

When we were competing in this competition whilst at Withdean, we tended to field a weakened side and our crowds were very poor. How will playing a youth team and more matches (by use of a group format) going to help? especially as you could end up with a meaningless final fixture in the group and no one bothers to come and watch? how many of our fans will turn up to watch us play against Orient at the Amex, especially if there is nothing riding on it? - how will that help the smaller clubs coffers?

 

[Don Tmatter]

Am i right in thinking that you may know the identity of the sponsors Mouldy?