Greg Dyke has dropped his idea for a League Three which Premier League ‘B’ teams could enter and progress as far as League One. Even Premier League clubs that backed the idea have now withdrawn their support. However, the second set of recommendations from his commission on the future of the English game is expected to include a proposal which may also prove controversial.
Greg Dyke has dropped his idea for a League Three which Premier League ‘B’ teams could enter and progress as far as League One. Even Premier League clubs that backed the idea have now withdrawn their support. However, the second set of recommendations from his commission on the future of the English game is expected to include a proposal which may also prove controversial.
‘Strategic loan partnerships’ would see bigger clubs set up formal alliances with lower league clubs over the loaning of players and staff. It would formalise the type of arrangement that Tottenham Hotspur have with Swindon Town. Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are also thought to back the idea.
Opponents argue that this would lead to the introduction of ‘feeder clubs by stealth’. But it could be argued that there is a worthwhile potential synergy between top clubs and those in League 1 and League 2. The top clubs want their younger players to develop and be tested in competitive football. Financially challenged lower league clubs would benefit from an injection of talent.