Teams don't seem to care about the EFL Trophy, especially in the group stage. They're more of an annoyance than anything and are usually played in empty stadiums.

Would it make sense to move the group stage games into pre-season to replace friendlies?

It would give teams a chance to play semi-competitive pre-season games and avoid fixture congestion during the actual season. Also, I imagine the games would pull bigger crowds in pre-season.

Thoughts?

https://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk//news/2026/july/21/seasiders-sign-karoy-anderson-on-a-permanent-deal/

Quality player....

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/26292372.middlesbroughs-fin-munroe-set-summer-loan-move/?ref=ed_direct

The move is expected to go through soon.

Mitchell-Bannan-Slattery as our midfield next season in league 1.

Wow.

After Dave Challinor departed following that devastating play-off final loss to Bolton, McNulty has a massive job on his hands to rebuild the squad's mentality. Opening the season away to Plymouth Argyle is a tough gig. We've got Louie Barry returning for a third loan spell from Villa, but we look a bit thin in central midfield. Are we expecting another top-six push, or will there be a transition period under the new boss?

I really don’t get why we persist with this competition. Watching our first team heavily rotated against a Premier League academy side in a half-empty stadium is the antithesis of what this league is about. I’d much rather see it scrapped or completely overhauled to only include lower-league sides. It just feels like a chore for the fans and a distraction for the players, and the attendance numbers show that most people have already checked out of it

Maybe you weren't convinced when they were appointed, or perhaps you expected much more than they delivered. Who made you completely rethink your first impression?

Was solid at Telstar, helped to get them promoted and against all odds stay in the Eredivisie.

Keeper