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Notts County have not ignored fan opinion on EFL Trophy, says Alan Hardy

Joe Jones

By Joe Jones

Notts County owner and chairman Alan Hardy insists he has not ignored the fans' opinions after the club voted to retain the current EFL Trophy format.

The competition has found itself boycotted over the last year after a shake-up which saw academy teams included, and with lower-league teams sanctioned if they played weaker teams.

Despite the uproar from fans, the Magpies nonetheless voted for its continuation, which seemingly flew in the face of nearly 95 percent of Notts supporters not being in favour of retaining the under-23s teams next term.

"We have by no means ignored our supporters – nor has that ever been our intention," Hardy told the Nottingham Post.

"Their views on this matter were taken seriously, reviewed in detail and passed on to the EFL at club meetings.

"As chairman, however, I have to take every factor into consideration when making these decisions. Unfortunately, as much as I would like it to be, it isn't always as simple as giving every supporter what they want.

"My greatest concern is that some people are being misled by the idea that our chosen format of the Checkatrade Trophy is providing a pathway for 'B-teams' to be inducted into the EFL.

"This, quite simply, will never happen. We would certainly never vote in favour of it.

"Perhaps once this scaremongering ceases we will all be able to see that the competition provides an opportunity to generate significant revenue for the football club through prize money, while offering our supporters, players and staff the chance to enjoy a trip to Wembley.

"I understand fans' frustrations and respect their passion. This subject has always divided opinion and has been a point of controversy.

"But the responsibility falls on me to do what I believe is best for the club and I would ask all our supporters to stick by us as we move into what I'm sure will be a very exciting summer."

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liampie

the thing is we voted that we did not want to be a part of the cup, so he decides to ignore them just because the bigger clubs wave some money in front of the smaller teams? if that is not ignoring people i dont know what is.

i understand his point about the chance of additional bonuses but we would have to win games right? secondly at what cost in operation fees.

huge mistake for me, im not happy but will accept it.

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DangerousSausage

"My greatest concern is that some people are being misled by the idea that our chosen format of the Checkatrade Trophy is providing a pathway for 'B-teams' to be inducted into the EFL.

This, quite simply, will never happen. We would certainly never vote in favour of it."

This is almost impossibly naive and short-sighted. If B teams are allowed to become a normal and accepted part of the English football landscape, it is only a matter of time until some executive comes along, who wants to make a name for himself with some "blue-sky thinking", and has the grand idea of allowing Premier League B teams in the League system. It'll help the England team, he'll say. And all it would take to make it a reality is a bit of extra cash from the Premier League.

The point of their inclusion in the Trophy was to give young players experience of senior competitive football. If the Trophy isn't competitive enough for them, the next step would be their inclusion in other competitions - the League have long been looking for ways to "liven up" the League Cup so I wouldn't be surprised to see it there. This could then be the gateway to League status. Not next season, but in 10, 15, 20 years. The Football League is a cherished institution and must be protected from this kind of pointless nonsense.

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Magic magpie

Well I guess we all have a option on this. But pro teams with the b side well the b side will either rise to it or flop. But that's what the fa cup is for

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