Check-ing in for next season

Checkatrade Trophy Logo

THE Checkatrade Trophy will continue to feature 16 invited clubs in a tweaked competition for the next two seasons.

Athletic were among the 66.6-per-cent of League One and Two clubs who voted for the amended competition, which sees its prize money increased from £1.95million to £3m from 2017-18.

The groups will continue to feature one top-level academy-based club who this time will play all their matches away from home until the knock-out rounds.

DATES

Extra flexibility in terms of fixture dates has been built in, in order to try to attract top Premier League clubs to enter, while there is also more wriggle-room for lower-league sides in terms of selection criteria.

"The history of the EFL Trophy is one of new ideas and innovation, but at its heart has always been the belief that this is an opportunity for League One and League Two clubs to taste cup success," said EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey.

"I am therefore delighted to see the backing the Checkatrade Trophy has received from our clubs for the next two seasons, following a full and comprehensive review of this year's pilot format."