Football League rule out B teams and the Old Firm
The Football League have announced that any possible reform of the English structure will not involve the introduction of Premier League B teams or the Old Firm clubs into the pyramid.
And the League says clubs in League One, Two and the proposed League Three have rejected the idea of a winter break.
The 72 clubs they represent are assessing ideas for the reorganisation of the league, called the Whole Game Solution, which were put forward by the EFL Board in the summer.
Any possible reform of the English structure will not involve the introduction of Premier League B teams or the Old Firm clubs into the pyramid…
The proposals could lead to a four-division structure for league football beneath the Premier League, which the League says could improve the format of competitions and the revenue received by clubs.
There could potentially be a vote on the plans in June 2017 but, on Thursday, it was agreed that any extra clubs entering the League will not be “Premier League B Teams, clubs from non-English leagues or those outside the English football pyramid”.
The proposed new format, outlined in a document entitled ‘Whole Game Solution’, would entail four divisions of 20 clubs each, meaning eight clubs will need to be added to bring the membership up to 80.
There were suggestions Premier League B teams or Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers could be invited, but this has now been dismissed and it seems any extra clubs required will instead come from the National League.
EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey said: “At the very outset of this process it was made clear that any decisions in respect of the future direction of the Whole Game Solution would be taken by clubs themselves and our announcement today comes as a result of their valued input.
“The logical place for many was to source the additional teams for League 3 from the National League but we felt it important that the debate was introduced at an early stage and an opportunity was provided for all Club owners’ and executives’ to voice any opinions and, where applicable, table concerns.”
Many fans will now wait and see if the League also cancel the experiment of introducing B teams into a new Football League Trophy format. So far the idea has been met by low attendances and disapproval by most fans.