[Albion] Ridiculous new U21 tournament - Woking v Albion U21s, tonight, 7pm

[AZ Gull]

This is the Woking line-up, featuring Tom Leahy who was in the Albion academy for his U-13 and U-14 seasons (and is the younger brother of Jack who was a scholar with the Seagulls).

 

[AZ Gull]

Albion's line-up:-

 

[AmexRuislip]

 

[Coldeanseagull]

I don't find these tournaments ridiculous at all. The kids have to take the next step in their developement, so a runout against blokes is a good thing

 

[AZ Gull]

I don't find these tournaments ridiculous at all. The kids have to take the next step in their developement, so a runout against blokes is a good thing

Why don't we just go the whole hog and kick out some of those lower league clubs to make room for the U-21 sides of Premier League clubs. I mean, the only reason for lower league football is to provide a development pathway for the youngsters of the rich clubs, right?

 

[AmexRuislip]

Why don't we just go the whole hog and kick out some of those lower league clubs to make room for the U-21 sides of Premier League clubs. I mean, the only reason for lower league football is to provide a development pathway for the youngsters of the rich clubs, right?

Why don't we just enjoy watching the Albion while we all get the chance, as there's no PL

 

[Mackenzie]

Why don't we just enjoy watching the Albion while we all get the chance, as there's no PL

That's what I do.

I enjoy the Papa Johns/Bristol Street Motors cup games too, it's a great chance to see the youngsters play.

 

[AmexRuislip]

That's what I do.

I enjoy the Papa Johns/Bristol Street Motors cup games too, it's a great chance to see the youngsters play.

I quite enjoyed the Condom Cup a few years back, when one year we had to withdraw due to not enough team members

 

[RM-Taylor]

Shirt numbers

 

[SeagullsoverLondon]

Hey, winning 1-0 at half time. Where's the final being played?

 

[Coldeanseagull]

Why don't we just go the whole hog and kick out some of those lower league clubs to make room for the U-21 sides of Premier League clubs. I mean, the only reason for lower league football is to provide a development pathway for the youngsters of the rich clubs, right?

They need to see the level they'll be playing at if they don't make it at a premier league club. We all differ with our opinions...especially with the developement of the youngsters. They should be capable of playing 40-50 competitive games over a season, regardless if it's an U21 league or a two bob cup

 

[AZ Gull]

They need to see the level they'll be playing at if they don't make it at a premier league club. We all differ with our opinions...especially with the developement of the youngsters. They should be capable of playing 40-50 competitive games over a season, regardless if it's an U21 league or a two bob cup

No Albion fan takes a keener interest in the development of our youngsters than me, as anyone on this board will testify.

However, I am also a football fan (in general) and I treasure the extraordinary football pyramid we have in this country. Albion have spent far more of their existence in the lower divisions than in the top 2 flights. Just because we struck gold with Tony Bloom being an Albion fan doesn't mean I'm willing to now consign all but 20 clubs to the dustbin.

The EFL Trophy (in its current guise with U-21 sides competing against 3rd and 4th tier teams) is an abomination of a tournament that no lower league fan wants. This competition is even more of a monstrosity, with the Premier League literally buying off the National League clubs to gain their support to abolish FA Cup replays.

The underlying issue here is that there is far too much at stake for PL clubs to "risk" playing their youngsters in league games and so they are on a constant search for the magic bullet that will develop their talent. They introduced #PL2; they made it an U-21 competition; they changed it to an U-23 competition; they forced their U-21 sides into the EFL Trophy; they changed PL2 back to an U-21 competition; and now, we have this Frankenstein's monster of a tournament.

It all stinks.

 

[GT49er]

Doing well - 2-0 up now (Duffus and McConville). Hope the lads can go all the way and win this trophy - I like this competition, and the Paint Pot trophy too.

 

[GT49er]

No Albion fan takes a keener interest in the development of our youngsters than me, as anyone on this board will testify.

However, I am also a football fan (in general) and I treasure the extraordinary football pyramid we have in this country. Albion have spent far more of their existence in the lower divisions than in the top 2 flights. Just because we struck gold with Tony Bloom being an Albion fan doesn't mean I'm willing to now consign all but 20 clubs to the dustbin.

The EFL Trophy (in its current guise with U-21 sides competing against 3rd and 4th tier teams) is an abomination of a tournament that no lower league fan wants. This competition is even more of a monstrosity, with the Premier League literally buying off the National League clubs to gain their support to abolish FA Cup replays.

The underlying issue here is that there is far too much at stake for PL clubs to "risk" playing their youngsters in league games and so they are on a constant search for the magic bullet that will develop their talent. They introduced #PL2; they made it an U-21 competition; they changed it to an U-23 competition; they forced their U-21 sides into the EFL Trophy; they changed PL2 back to an U-21 competition; and now, we have this Frankenstein's monster of a tournament.

It all stinks.

I would agree with you whole-heartedly if we were trying to push our U21 sides into leagues lower down the pyramid (like they've done in Scotland). Horrible idea, and I agree, the pyramid must not be tampered with.
But cup competitions? Sorry - I love 'em!

 

[Sarisbury Seagull]

No Albion fan takes a keener interest in the development of our youngsters than me, as anyone on this board will testify.

However, I am also a football fan (in general) and I treasure the extraordinary football pyramid we have in this country. Albion have spent far more of their existence in the lower divisions than in the top 2 flights. Just because we struck gold with Tony Bloom being an Albion fan doesn't mean I'm willing to now consign all but 20 clubs to the dustbin.

The EFL Trophy (in its current guise with U-21 sides competing against 3rd and 4th tier teams) is an abomination of a tournament that no lower league fan wants. This competition is even more of a monstrosity, with the Premier League literally buying off the National League clubs to gain their support to abolish FA Cup replays.

The underlying issue here is that there is far too much at stake for PL clubs to "risk" playing their youngsters in league games and so they are on a constant search for the magic bullet that will develop their talent. They introduced #PL2; they made it an U-21 competition; they changed it to an U-23 competition; they forced their U-21 sides into the EFL Trophy; they changed PL2 back to an U-21 competition; and now, we have this Frankenstein's monster of a tournament.

It all stinks.

Agree whole-heartedly. It is an abomination. Eastleigh sum it up brilliantly:

Statement: The National League Cup

Eastleigh Football Club would like to confirm that we will not be competing in The National League Cup competition.

eastleighfc.com

 

[amexer]

No Albion fan takes a keener interest in the development of our youngsters than me, as anyone on this board will testify.

However, I am also a football fan (in general) and I treasure the extraordinary football pyramid we have in this country. Albion have spent far more of their existence in the lower divisions than in the top 2 flights. Just because we struck gold with Tony Bloom being an Albion fan doesn't mean I'm willing to now consign all but 20 clubs to the dustbin.

The EFL Trophy (in its current guise with U-21 sides competing against 3rd and 4th tier teams) is an abomination of a tournament that no lower league fan wants. This competition is even more of a monstrosity, with the Premier League literally buying off the National League clubs to gain their support to abolish FA Cup replays.

The underlying issue here is that there is far too much at stake for PL clubs to "risk" playing their youngsters in league games and so they are on a constant search for the magic bullet that will develop their talent. They introduced #PL2; they made it an U-21 competition; they changed it to an U-23 competition; they forced their U-21 sides into the EFL Trophy; they changed PL2 back to an U-21 competition; and now, we have this Frankenstein's monster of a tournament.

It all stinks.

I bow to your better judgement but just dont understand why this stinks. From an Albion view it is another chance for our young players to experience mens football. I dont know how serious opposition are taking it but additional gate receipts for them which i trust PL club do not get a share

 

[Bozza]

No Albion fan takes a keener interest in the development of our youngsters than me, as anyone on this board will testify.

However, I am also a football fan (in general) and I treasure the extraordinary football pyramid we have in this country. Albion have spent far more of their existence in the lower divisions than in the top 2 flights. Just because we struck gold with Tony Bloom being an Albion fan doesn't mean I'm willing to now consign all but 20 clubs to the dustbin.

The EFL Trophy (in its current guise with U-21 sides competing against 3rd and 4th tier teams) is an abomination of a tournament that no lower league fan wants. This competition is even more of a monstrosity, with the Premier League literally buying off the National League clubs to gain their support to abolish FA Cup replays.

The underlying issue here is that there is far too much at stake for PL clubs to "risk" playing their youngsters in league games and so they are on a constant search for the magic bullet that will develop their talent. They introduced #PL2; they made it an U-21 competition; they changed it to an U-23 competition; they forced their U-21 sides into the EFL Trophy; they changed PL2 back to an U-21 competition; and now, we have this Frankenstein's monster of a tournament.

It all stinks.

I'll put you on the "undecided" list for now.

 

[Mackenzie]

2-2

Boo

 

[Mackenzie]

....and it's penalties

 

[Eddie Bee]

Flowers should have put the game to bed.