Why a change of format could make the EFL Trophy more competitive

The current format is not a hit with fans, and it’s becoming clear that a rethink of options may be a healthy choice to make.

The Robins started their journey in the competition with a trip away to Exeter City, where they played in front of 1,485 fans before registering an attendance of 1,306 at the Nigel Eady County Ground in a 4-0 win against Bristol Rovers.

The low number of fans are not Town's fault however, but it's the way the competition is structured, which could gain from a change of format.

The current structure contains a group stage with three EFL teams and one U21 academy side, with draws in the group going to penalties for an extra point with both groups split in northern and southern sections.

To stop teams playing an extremely rotated side, there is a rule that each EFL club must include four ‘qualifying players’, which is 'any player who started the previous or following first-team fixture.'

There are many options for the EFL when it comes to changing the format, and it could make the competition more exciting and watchable.

From 2006 to 2015, it was a simple knockout competition, with just League One and Two teams but as there were only 48 sides, some teams would receive byes into the second round, which isn’t terrible but not ideal either and the style was vanilla.

Swindon facing Arsenal U21s in front of an empty Town End (Image: Adver Archive) Before the change in 2006, eight teams from the National League were invited to take part, but at this time, the gap between professional football in step four and five was a lot larger than it is now, meaning that if the idea was brought in for next season, it could reignite the competition.

The closest those below League Two have is the new National League Cup, but it’s not gone to plan as many clubs have pulled out as the financial reward for playing is very small, it’s likely to cost clubs a fair amount of money and there is simply no demand for it.

The format for that competition is very similar to the Bristol Street Motors trophy, so it includes a group stage which creates fixture congestion.

It would be beneficial for the EFL Trophy to rip up any plans for a group stage which would lower costs for clubs and bring back the knockout format with invited National League clubs re-introduced.

The second main problem is the addition of U21 teams. Many countries throughout Europe have U21 teams take part in league football, with Germany being an example as teams such as Bayern Munich II and Borussia Dortmund II play in the third division.

England's top four tiers are arguably the best in the world for quality and does not let youth sides take part in high divisions, but they should be removed from the EFL Trophy.

The benefits for the top-level clubs is easy to see and recognise, as it is a great pathway for the younger players and helps them develop, but why not send out the higher performing players out on loan?

We have not seen any U21 teams get very far in the competition as of yet, but who wants to watch a final at Wembley between a youth team and a senior side?

It would kill the atmosphere and the competition should be a chance for the lower league teams to flourish.

Whilst it’s doubtful that we’ll see a change, the EFL Trophy can come back from the dead if changes are made, becoming a reputable tournament that fans might come and watch in the process.