metroace":2thfvjgx said:
I was hoping that people could have left this subject out. We are polarised about this matter. Let's not get angry with each other again.
Agreed. I've let my negative emotions towards this competition and Shaun Harvey get the better of me ahead of the Chelsea match.
I still cannot comprehend why anyone wishes to support this competition. I'm afraid you can't attend and not support this competition, it's not possible sadly thanks to Shaun Harvey.
I would hope that the Green Army may have more respect for our club and league than to allow any form of degradation, whether in the 4th priority trophy or not. Clearly it's a torn subject though.
All 72 clubs should be joint on this, though the 24 Championship sides seem ambivalent until they're relegated into taking part. Im personally concerned that so many are not bothered by the sly intentions of this competition, but am encouraged that the majority remain committed against it.
This competition always had cheap ticket incentives, but was not marketed on anywhere near the same level. This competition always encouraged the use of the extended squad and youth players. The competition was not broken (it needed rejuvenating for sure), it didn't need to become a B teams through the backdoor trophy. It didn't need to become a platform to divide fanbases throughout the country and stir arguments. Or a competition where our club makes sarcastic comments towards sections of our fanbase. Or one where our media team provides distorted post match quotes from our manager.
Put it back to how it was before. Remove B teams and market the competition better. Provide opportunities for youngsters to turn up on the cheap. And for low income families to see their local side. It can retain all the positives, while losing the one HUGE and rather dangerous negative.
This farce match coming up in the calendar is no true derby and I think everyone is aware of that. It's just all a bit sad.