Football League Trophy

After originally agreeing to under 21 sides being allowed this has been changed today to under 23 sides with 4 overage players. And they told us it wasn't B teams!

Does anyone seriously think they won't try and put B Teams in the league unless we stop them?

This isn't what we voted for so even JF should support a total boycott.

They will keep pushing and prodding to get what they want but  bloody hell, it's not even started yet and they are already changing the terms agreed to.

Interesting article here

http://www.eurosport.com/footb.....o5667467/story.shtml

For those who can't be bothered to read here are some key bits

"AL3 has regularly canvassed supporters and sought their opinion, as have organisations like Supporters Direct. "Our studies show over 75% of lower league fans are against the implementation of B teams."

"EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey has revealed invites to compete in next season's EFL Trophy will be sent to the 15 Premier League clubs with category-one academy status and Newcastle United, as they finished higher in the league pyramid last season than the five clubs with category-one status in the EFL. If any of those clubs turn down the chance to join the competition - which will feature 16 groups of four, arranged on a north/south basis, before becoming a knock-out tournament with the winners of the northern and southern halves meeting at Wembley - Norwich City, the next-best finisher last season, will be invited."

"Contrary to what was discussed at the EFL AGM in Portugal three weeks ago, the invited clubs will be able to field U23 teams, not U21s, with three outfield overage players and a goalkeeper."

"Harvey also said penalties will be used to settle draws in the group games, with the successful team earning an extra point. Knockout games tied after 90 minutes will also go straight to penalties. Harvey added that scrapping extra time will be reviewed for the semi-finals and final "if there is a compelling or commercially attractive reason" to do so, and if the additional 30 minutes was called for a fourth substitute would be allowed."

The bit I've highlighted sums the whole thing up. Makes me sick. I hope the Trust continue to lobby JF on this. Take him to Portugal and give him loads of free booze if necessary - that usually seems to do the trick.

http://www.againstleague3.co.uk/bteamboycott-signup/



Following the release of The EFL’s announcement of EFL Trophy changes – many campaign supporters told us we need to boycott the competition. As such we created the #BTeamBoycott – you can sign up to the boycott below. The more people who sign up to the #BTeamBoycott – the stronger our response can be.

Should you boycott the entire competition – or just games against B-Teams? That is totally up to you. Choosing to boycott a game your club is participating in is a serious decision – and we do not ask you to take it lightly. AL3 understands you may be reluctant to do this – or a game may form part of a loyalty scheme – or any one of a hundred reasons why you may feel compelled to attend these games.

Please avoid whatever games  you are willing to  – but we particularly ask you make an effort to not attend games against B-Teams.

Also – please do not pressure or harass other fans who say they will attend. We do not wants fans to turn on each other – and is not the way we want to run the boycott. Be polite, helpful and informative if anyone disagrees – it is a far better way to get them on our side. Some peaceful and friendly demonstrations may be held outside grounds but plans for this will come much later.

AL3 will be attending the Supporters Summit at Wembley on Saturday 16th July where the EFL Trophy changes will be a key discussion point.

What are we really hoping to achieve? We hope that clubs and the leagues can not simply rampage through our pyramid making up serious changes as they go along – especially when the changes are primarily designed to help any entities outside the EFL.

Please join the #BTeamBoycott – tell whoever you can. Bonus points for posting it on your clubs forum – this is one of the best ways we gain traffic.

Your personal details: All use of personal details is described in our privacy policy. Your full name will not be published – but will be available to AL3. AL3 may pass the named signatures of this petition to The Football League and it’s member clubs – but we will never send your contact details/emails.

Thanks for that. Hopefully clubs will rethink when they realise we're serious about boycotting.

We need a concerted boycott effort for this.  Publicity. Leaflet games pre- and early season games.

Against League 3 @AgainstLeague3
Top #BTeamBoycott sign ups so far in order 1) Bradford, 2) Doncaster, 3) Grimsby, 4) Crewe, 5) Oxford, 6) Southend

We're in 3rd place. Would be nice to beat the yorkies and get top spot!

Town now top of the table for boycott signups



Are you watching Getyourfactsright?

Top of the League and the season hasn't started yet. Superb, keep it going folks!

Full on boycott is the only thing I can see working for this.  

Fans have to show that they alone have the power to make or kill a competition.