The "Development League"

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. 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.