Gillingham Football Club voted against the introduction of Premier League B teams
Although Gillingham Football Club are yet to win the EFL Trophy, formerly known as the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, that the competition offers teams the chance to play a cup final at Wembley Stadium means it’s one the majority of clubs take seriously.
However, we do not believe the introduction of Premier League academy and under-21 teams and development squads will incentivise more fans to attend matches, nor do we feel the trophy’s worth will be increased by these changes (even if it is currently only a one season trial).
Removing any historical sponsorship deals, the competition is the Football League Trophy; by default, it should only be open to Football League clubs (or EFL, as it is now known).
As a result, club chairman Paul Scally voted against the proposals at last week’s EFL annual general meeting.