Checkatrade Trophy Group

[Tomo]

Group D:

 

Crewe Alexandra

Oldham Athletic

Port Vale

 

+1 of the following:

 

Everton

Leicester

Man City

Middlesborough

Newcastle

Stoke

Sunderland

West Brom

 

Could generate some decent interest if Stoke get put in with Vale & Crewe.

[PVTony]

What date?

[Tomo]

What date?

 

Do you mean for the U21 team to be added? Next Wed (12th).

[Tomo]

Full list:

 

https://www.efl.com/news/2017/july/checkatrade-trophy-groups-revealed-for-efl-clubs/

 

Some tasty groups there.

[Tean Vale]

Why haven't they just done the full draw all in one go?

 

Farcical competition.

[Tomo]

Also worth noting that the PL teams play away, so we could possibly have additional home games in Stoke U21 & Crewe, which would be alright.

[Santa]

Everton

Leicester

Man City

Middlesborough

Newcastle

Stoke

Sunderland

West Brom

I can't contain my excitement.

[Tomo]

I can't contain my excitement.

 

I wish they'd scrap the idea too, but if we did have both Crewe & Stoke in, it's a damn sight better than last year. Seems as though the groups have been organised a lot better at least.

[mr.hobblesworth]

Personally, I'd like us to have the dullest group imaginable as the dismal attendance figures might increase the likelihood of this joke of a competition (or at least the U21 part of it) being consigned to the dustbin.

[valeparklife]

Do not want Stoke.

 

Potentially losing to their U23 side would be a complete embarrassment.

[Tomo]

Personally, I'd like us to have the dullest group imaginable as the dismal attendance figures might increase the likelihood of this joke of a competition (or at least the U21 part of it) being consigned to the dustbin.

 

Considering the FL/PL's attitude towards supporters & their views, I have no faith that this will ever be scrapped, unless they are to financially benefit from doing so, so think we are stuck with it for the time being.

 

If this was just league clubs, I actually think the format would be pretty decent in terms of a competition, much better than a regular knock-out (which we have anyway in the other cups). However, I do agree that it's currently being completely ruined by the PL.

[bookworm]

QUOTE=Santa;747647]I can't contain my excitement.

 

don't you mean excrement ,,,sorry santa:wink:

[Smugsy]

Couldn't care less who we draw. I won't be going to any of the matches.

[davidatpreston]

If we are going to play Stoke, I'd like it to be Stoke City FC first team, not their under-23 or whatever.

 

It's a poisoned chalice - either lose and get laughed at, or if we win they can say 'OH well, its only our kids, we just used this competition as a plaything for experience' and make no mistake, they would do that.

 

The whole idea of U-21/23 teams is an abortion, a vile piece of bribery and should be binned asap. I seem to remember Smurf was very vocal in voting against it the first season but this 2nd season changed his vote as the Prem bribe to lesser mortals had increased slightly.

 

[Rudge's Flat Cap]

Get Stoke and beat the *****. If they choose to play a weak team that's their problem.