EFL Trophy revamp could "have a future"

The chief executive for the EFL, Shaun Harvey, has said that the Checkatrade Trophy "does have a future" in its revamped format.

The EFL faced major criticism from fans as well as record low crowds after Category One academy teams from the Premier League and Championship were invited to compete in the competition.

However, clubs from League One and Two were fined for picking weakened teams with Bradford City fined for substituting their goalkeeper after three minutes.

He added: "Ultimately the comparison was a competition previously where clubs were as interested in getting knocked out in the first round as they were in getting to the final. That can't bode well for the longevity of the competition.

"What we have created gives us a real opportunity of using this competition for the benefit of our clubs, the benefit of young players in this country and, as we will see on Sunday, the benefit of in excess of 70,000 fans hoping to cheer their side to victory."

JC