New JPT structure

[SavageTheBeast]

Pompey fans going to walk out http://m.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36953689?ns_mchannel=social&ns_campaign=bbc_match_of_the_day&ns_source=facebook&ns_linkname=sport

[NewBlue]

With the first match next week (I think), thought I'd bump this.

 

Anybody changed their minds on going or boycotting?

 

Attendance predictions?

[yarddog73]

I'm not bothering.

 

Less than 1000 is my predicted attendance.

[Latics and England]

I'm still out. I completely disagree with what they have done with the competition, both bringing in the U23 teams and also introducing the group stage.

 

I'm not going to tell people not to go and support the team but it would be good if a message could be sent to the powers that be that we are not happy. For me, I'll be doing that by staying away.

 

Obviously the question that leads from that is "Would I go if we make the final?" I probably can't answer that right now.

[GlossopLatic]

Completely disagree on the concept of it and what it could lead to didn't bother with it before until the northern area final stage now I doubt I will even do that.

 

However from a footballing perspective we should look at it as an opportunity. Its an opportunity to give the likes of Edmundson, Stott and Glackin game time use it to blood some reserves I know we have to play is it 6 first teamers? Start them and take 2 off at half time Get the likes of Green and Clarke rested for this don't want them on the bench nevermind starting the game, its happening whether we like it or not just use it to our advantage.

[disjointed]

I'm out, even if we go all the way to Wembley, they can shove the competition for me.

[HarryBosch]

I'm still out. I completely disagree with what they have done with the competition, both bringing in the U23 teams and also introducing the group stage.

 

I'm not going to tell people not to go and support the team but it would be good if a message could be sent to the powers that be that we are not happy. For me, I'll be doing that by staying away.

 

Obviously the question that leads from that is "Would I go if we make the final?" I probably can't answer that right now.

I think we'll win it with all that's gone and I'll be at Wembley for the final.

[jsslatic]

I'm out, even if we go all the way to Wembley, they can shove the competition for me.

That remains my position too.

[deyres42]

I've never been in, can I still say I'm out?

[deyres42]

Hope the fishal says if any stands are to be shut, wouldn't want any more OAP's becoming distressed.

[opinions4u]

£5 in. Free for kids.

 

I never miss a home game in this. But I won't be going.

 

Ask the question again when Wembley tickets go on sale.

[Stevie_J]

I've never been in, can I still say I'm out?

I would never have gone, as I've always thought the competition was a waste of time. But now I wouldn't go on principle, as I'm fundamentally against the belittling of lower league clubs by making them play the big boys' (although the genuine big boys weren't interested) youths in supposedly competitive fixtures. I hope attendances across the competition are low enough to embarass the decision makers.

[mcfluff1985]

Is there only me who has a problem with how the League Cup draw works as well?

[nzlatic]

Is there only me who has a problem with how the League Cup draw works as well?

I don't know why they still bother with it in it's current format. Premier league teams could not give less of a :censored:. Bin them off, make it a standard cup format between the 72 football league teams and scrap the JPT.

[RobOAFC]

Is there only me who has a problem with how the League Cup draw works as well?

Only watched the draw for second round, but it seemed a stupid way of doing. Whats wrong with picking out one ball for the home team and then the next ball is the away game?

 

Back on topic, I'll be attending because it's against a league team. Any games against U-23 then won't attend.

[deyres42]

I would never have gone, as I've always thought the competition was a waste of time. But now I wouldn't go on principle, as I'm fundamentally against the belittling of lower league clubs by making them play the big boys' (although the genuine big boys weren't interested) youths in supposedly competitive fixtures. I hope attendances across the competition are low enough to embarass the decision makers.

Bolton at home to Everton on Tuesday, they are only opening one tier of one stand plus the away end.

[deyres42]

I don't know why they still bother with it in it's current format. Premier league teams could not give less of a :censored:. Bin them off, make it a standard cup format between the 72 football league teams and scrap the JPT.

Not sure that's the case anymore, it's the Championship clubs who are putting out much weakened sides.

[leeslover]

I'd be lying if I said I know what I'd do if we got to Wembley. I sure as hell won't be seeing any of the rest of it.

[Latics and England]

Just read the new rules for this competition. Any suspensions picked up in it will not carry over to the league or other cups.

 

In other words matches aren't being treated competitive games. The more I see about it, the more ridiculous it appears.

[deyres42]

Why didn't they start the games yesterday? Might have had a chance of starting tournament with a bit of fanfare then...

[simplythemostimportantkick]

£5 in. Free for kids.

 

I never miss a home game in this. But I won't be going.

 

Ask the question again when Wembley tickets go on sale.

I will be going just as its a good affordable chance to take my 7 year old to his second game. I'm only going for him and he's only going fir the hotdog ! You say it's free for kids ? How does that work please ? Must I get tickets ?

[NewBlue]

Fingers crossed for an embarrassingly low crowd.

 

3 figures would be decent. Anything below a bonus...

[nzlatic]

Open letter to supporters from the Against League 3 group...

 

"Open Letter To Supporters Ahead Of Tonight's EFL Trophy #BTeamBoycott

Tonight sees the first matches of the newly revamped EFL Trophy – and as such the first games of the #BTeamBoycott

Against League 3 is asking supporters not to attend games in the EFL Trophy. We ask this of all supporters, from The Premier League down to League 2, to neutrals and non-league fans. Lower league football is increasingly under threat – and the EFL Trophy sets a damaging irreversible precedent that accelerates and assists the deconstruction of the greatest football pyramid structure in the world.

Whether you choose to boycott B-Team games or the entire competition is your decision. We feel boycotting the entire competition sends a greater message – but we understand supporters when they tell us that they have nothing against playing regular teams in this competition. This is especially relevant when considering the clubs that voted against these measures.

Asking supporters to boycott is a decision that we took with a heavy heart. No-one wants to deliberately avoid going to watch their team. It’s a horrible feeling. Against League 3 has always been a campaign that was run on the wishes and direction provided by our campaign supporters. When the Trophy changes were announced, our Twitter feed and our emails were overwhelmed by fans telling us to organise the boycott of this competition – so we did.

Boycotting doesn’t make you any less loyal or any less of a true supporter. Boycotting means you reject the idea that our teams should become just another tool for the Premier League youth development conveyor belt. Boycotting means you are willing to stand up and be counted to try and improve football for all levels – not for just the select few.

Boycotting these games may have some impact on your team – but a national boycott will have serious damage to the Football League executive – a group that betrayed football supporters for a tiny payday. This vote was forced on teams – and they accepted the idea following promises that were quickly broken. Everyone watched the farcical process of waiting for invitations to be returned from the Premier League. The Football League made promises that it simply could not deliver.

When Greg Dyke’s commission first suggested B-Teams in May 2014 – Against League 3 was started by two lower league football fans that fully rejected the idea that our teams should regularly play reserve sides for the benefit of the National Team. Many agreed with us, and 34,000 supporters signed a petition against these plans. Such was the public pressure that The FA ditched the proposals.

The Football League has always been fully aware that these measures are not supported by fans of the lower leagues. We’re told that “something had to be done” – that “the trophy needed rejuvenating” and Football League executives and chairmen have fallen over themselves to announce that this isn’t “the thin end of the wedge” for B-Teams entering the pyramid structure.

Yes, something had to be done about The EFL Trophy – but attempting to “rejuvenate” a trophy using measures supporters were firmly against is incompetent at best – arrogant at worst.

Serious concerns were raised regarding the voting procedure for these EFL Trophy plans. Representatives from several clubs confirmed to AL3 that they were given minimal notice by The Football League to ask supporters what they thought of the changes.

The decline of The JPT has been steady over a number of years. Why the rush to act? Why the deliberate prevention of supporter consultation? Where is the evidence that the changes truly help the national team?

In Shaun Harvey – The Football League has a chief executive that is overseeing the slow destruction of our pyramid and competition system. Following his exploits at Bradford City and Leeds – it’s unlikely he would himself pass the “Fit & Proper Persons Test” required for owning a football club. Harvey has told government he does not support supporter ownership, been accused by OFCOM of organising harassing radio broadcasts, banned the supporters trust at Leeds from buying tickets after questioning the regime, oversaw the awful EFL rebrand and has pushed for B-Teams despite vocal fan protestations. Against League 3 continues to call for his resignation.

English football is changing. There is genuine pressure from UEFA over England’s fixture scheduling considering that European domestic and international football will see changed formats over the next few years. What supporters must do is ensure we do not get stuck with an unworkable pyramid system for the next number of years. FA Cup replays are under increasing threat. Supporters must be open to change, but they have to be the right changes that benefit the many over the few.

If you decide to protest tonight – please do so safely, peacefully and legally. Please be understanding of fans that do decide to attend and try to educate rather than berate them. Don’t forget to stay involved with your supporters trust – or consider starting one if you don’t have one.

Supporters can be a real force for positive change in football. Let’s start tonight.

Thank you for supporting AL3 and the #BTeamBoycott

James Cave

AL3 Campaign Manager"

[Hands on]

I'm not sure how five first team players equates to playing our 'full available strength'. ( "Each EFL Club shall play its full available strength in and during all Matches. The League will from time to time issue a policy as to what constitutes 'full available strength'. Any Club failing to meet this requirement will be required to pay a fine of up to £5,000.)

 

I shall support any home matches as otherwise the club stands to make a loss. We clearly make a loss if we decide to pay the £5,000 fine and play a sub standard line up.

 

Can't find out what 'full available strength' means.

[yarddog73]

Thought we were all against boycotts on here? I suspect all those preaching about the damage boycotting a Latics fixture will do to the club coffers will be attending tonight.