THE CONCRETE ROUNDABOUT (TCR)

An interesting (if a little long) read about the B&B Cup from the perspective of one of the smaller teams. I hadn’t realised expanding it to step 5 clubs had made such a big difference.

https://www.footballinbracknell.co.uk/f ... mpetition/

I’ve always thought it’s to our eternal credit that we still enter a side (albeit under 23, and with no home games) while Reading & Wycombe turn their noses up and pay the FA fine. That said, I understand Wycombe have scrapped their Youth set up so it would be impossible for them currently. Surely Reading would benefit though?

Yes, an interesting article.
There were parallels throughout with the Checkatrade Trophy: a smaller competition needing to be revamped due to club and fan apathy about earlier rounds and whether it just creates unnecessarily extra games for small clubs.
And the extra argument about bigger clubs (us!) playing U23 teams in it and potentially winning what is really a competition for non-league teams and taking a possible final appearance and a trophy away from one of them.
As with the Checkatrade, I see no problem in bigger teams being allowed to play an U23 team - provided they don't pick any £30m Belgian international strikers.
And I hope we win it, as it will be good experience for the youngsters.

It was interesting to read, although poorly written (I wonder if it was even proofread), it's interesting to see the view of a fan from the lower divisions of English football, and his opinion.