Derby to “include a few first-team players.” How does that help develop youngsters?
After Derby County announce that a “few first-team players” in their B-team to face Port Vale, we ask – how does that fit in with the Football League’s plans for the revised tournament to help develop youngsters?
In a preview article on the official Derby County website, Academy director Darren Wassall says that he may include several first-team players in the Derby squad to face Port Vale in the Football League Trophy.
With a number of players called up to international duty, Darren Wassall may be able to call upon a few first team players…
According to the official Derby website “With a number of players called up to international duty, Darren Wassall may be able to call upon a few first team players who have been short of match action…”
A majority of Football League chairmen (although Vale supremo Norman Smurthwaite voted against) decided to controversially allow top-level B-teams into the Football League Trophy competition this season.
It is clear that the majority of Football League supporters are against the introduction of B-teams. However, Derby’s move will surely raise questions even among Football League fans who support the inclusion of B teams.
Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey said the introduction of B teams was to “assist the development of the very best young players in English football.”
Perhaps he can now explain how Derby’s plans to include first-team players in order to boost their fitness levels will achieve that?
OVF remains firmly opposed to introduction of B-teams. You can read our reasons why here