I was thinking the other day. It seems to me that the Football League should try to make the so-called “under 23" teams a more meaningful and interesting competition by giving a more formal league status - something like the old Central League for Reserve Teams. I know the primary function is to develop young players and to keep fringe first team players fit, but perhaps, if a more competitive element could be introduced, more fans might go to watch the home games.
Maybe if the FL introduced a significant team prize (say £5m for first, £3m for second and £1m for third place finishes). Maybe a more structured organisation would be needed and it might be better to call it the Development League and enforce a balance between young and experienced players. I don’t know if currently all games are played at the main stadium, or if training grounds have adequate facilities for spectators. Also, I don’t know whether the pitches would stand the extra wear and tear but I’m sure something could be worked out.
Some publicity and razzmatazz would need to happen to attract even small crowds to these games. I realise this might reduce the away games travelling fans but this would ensure the cash spent would go to “Our Team" rather than the opposition. It would encourage more fan interest in junior player development and progress and would prove an outlet for those 2 or 3 thousand away travellers.
Development League Competition
posted on 6/2/17
3R, the FL don't give a flying fck about anything other than first team football.
Try searching for the results (or god forbid a match report) to see how much it is publicised, it's like the "dark web"?
posted on 6/2/17
'Try searching for the results (or god forbid a match report) to see how much it is publicised, it's like the "dark web"?'
Not as bad as Derby County Ladies, couldn't find any mention of their result this weekend.
However, they did lose against the Forest
posted on 6/2/17
Is it anything like this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOlEYNlSZ44
Incidentally I know the winners of the table football competition. They live in Doncaster.
posted on 6/2/17
Not a bad idea. I remember the old Central League days. Saw Forest beat Man Utd 5-1. Forest are playing their games at Alfreton at the moment but if there was note incentive, maybe they would be enticed into developing the training ground with a small stadium. Yes, they do actually own that land...
posted on 6/2/17
'Unbeaten in four games in all competitions, Derby will be looking to secure their first Premier League 2 Division 1 win since the end of October when they take on Manchester United tonight at St George's Park.'
Premier League 2 Division 1 - just rolls off the tongue, doesn't it ?
posted on 6/2/17
comment by 🏁AnglianRam🏁 (U17428)
Premier League 2 Division 1 - just rolls off the tongue, doesn't it ?
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Some muppet at the FA/FL got paid a small fortune to come-up with that tosh.