The EFL Trophy is a new concept that has come about from the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. It is a new competition where 48 teams from League 1 and League 2 enter along with 16 invited Premier League teams.
Taken from the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy the new tournament now allows the bigger sides in English football to develop their academies and to allow the youngsters some play time against formidable opponent’s
The competition will still be big for the League 1 and 2 teams as it still gives them the chance to earn some extra spending money and have a day out to Wembley for the final. Although it may seem unfair the rules say that at least six of the Invited teams players must be under 21 as of June 30th. The League 1 and 2 teams can use whoever they want however must have at least five first teamers in the starting XI.
The tournament will take place in a group stage format. Each team will be entered into a group with three other teams that are based locally to themselves. The top two from each group will go through after everyone has played each other and then a normal knock out series will commence.
What Premier League clubs will take part?
This is another story completely. Out of the 16 invited teams Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea have already pulled out and Manchester United and Liverpool are looking to follow. It seems as though the clubs do not like the idea of having another tournament to think about.
Also Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea may not want to use any first teamers as they may want to have their focus on the league. This would mean having at least 11 under 21 players and for those big sides that just won’t happen.
How will it help West Ham and Who can be classed as the Under 21 players?
I think this will help West Ham a lot. It will allow the youngsters some competitive football and will give players that aren’t getting a lot of game time what they want.
Reece Oxford, Reece Burke, Josh Cullen, Martin Samuelson and new signings Domingos Quina and Toni Martinez are just some of West Ham’s under 21 stars that could feature in the tournament.
Last season the West Ham under 21’s won the Under 21 cup against Hull City. I believe that the young Hammers possibly along with some first-teamers have a real good chance of making it to Wembley.
