The EFL Trophy is proving unpopular with clubs in its first season.
Formerly known as the “Johnstone’s Paint Trophy,” and also known as the “Checkatrade Trophy,” the competition has been expanded beyond League One and League Two clubs to include 16 Category One Academy teams.
These development teams from Premier League and Championship sides are involved in a group stage format against the 48 League One and League Two sides, and it hasn’t proved popular with fans or clubs.
Just 1,355 fans attended Portsmouth’s game against Reading’s U23 side on Wednesday night, the lowest crowd at Fratton Park in over 70 years.
Tonight's EFL Trophy attendances – Thanks to all who took part in the #BTeamBoycott pic.twitter.com/PZciZww54X
— Against League 3 (@AgainstLeague3) October 4, 2016
Clubs aren’t happy that the competition is being used as a way for richer clubs to develop their players. One rule in particular is also unpopular.
EFL clubs must start five “first-team” players, who featured in the club’s last league match, who will play in the next league match or the club’s five highest appearance-makers so far this season.
Bradford City adhered to the rule by giving Irish goalkeeper Colin Doyle a start. And then substituted him after three minutes.
3: First sub of the evening for City as Colin Doyle makes way for Rouven Sattelmaier. (0-0) #BCAFC
— Bradford City AFC (@officialbantams) October 4, 2016
“I thought he had a poor 45 seconds,” Bradford assistant manager Kenny Black joked when asked about Doyle’s cameo appearance after the game.
Despite being subbed-off after three minutes to bend the rules of the much-maligned competition, this isn’t even the most bizarre incident Doyle has been involved in recently.
The 31-year-old was bought by Bradford from Blackpool for a £1 during the summer, thanks a clause in his contract that allowed him to leave the club when Blackpool were relegated from League One.
A former Irish international is set to be sold for £1 https://t.co/I8e3WdGlK2
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) July 9, 2016
He also scored a penalty during a shoot-out.
What more could he have done? https://t.co/Lj0aHZiBPE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) August 11, 2016
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