The latest series of matches in the Checkatrade or Football League trophy shows that the new format involving Premier League under 23 teams remains unpopular with fans.
The biggest attendance was at the derby between rivals Swindon Town and Oxford United at 2,698, but in fact it was the lowest attendance ever for a A420 derby. Just 457 saw Barnet face Norwich City. Portsmouth against Reading under 23s attracted the lowest attendance since 1945 and the 609 at Grimsby to see them play Leicester City under 23s was their lowest ever for a cup competition game.
The latest series of matches in the Checkatrade or Football League trophy shows that the new format involving Premier League under 23 teams remains unpopular with fans.
The biggest attendance was at the derby between rivals Swindon Town and Oxford United at 2,698, but in fact it was the lowest attendance ever for a A420 derby. Just 457 saw Barnet face Norwich City. Portsmouth against Reading under 23s attracted the lowest attendance since 1945 and the 609 at Grimsby to see them play Leicester City under 23s was their lowest ever for a cup competition game.
Overall, 11 games attracted under 1,000 fans and 10 between 1,000 and 1,500. It’s hardly worth switching the floodlights on.
What is more, the absurd regulations are abused, bringing the competition ever further into disrepute. For example, Bradford City substituted their goalkeeper after three minutes.