So, the National League Cup is here. Don’t worry if you didn’t make it down to the ground – only around 200 did.
Whilst it’s great in theory to see more competitive football, and some of the later stages could provide interesting match-ups, I can’t help but wonder if it’s really worth the hassle for us smaller clubs.
Here are the problems, as I see them.
First, we’ve got fixture congestion. It’s already a long and difficult schedule in our league – where relegation isn’t a viable financial option. Proper cup runs remain essential for raising additional funds to help us push on. Adding more matches, with less financial upside, inevitably leads to tired players and more injuries – and worse performances in the competition that matter most.
Then there’s the potential financial strain. Yes we keep the gate fees – but with attendances across the competition looking extraordinarily low, you have to wonder if home sides are making a loss just in operational costs.
And let’s not forget about focus. As we sit, we face an extraordinary challenge to stay in our league. Can we really afford the distraction of a cup competition with no prestige and a tiny prize pot?
Finally, there’s the question of player development. While the National League Cup aims to improve the quality and volume of homegrown players, it might disrupt existing plans. It removes our ability to focus on developing our young talent in a more structured way – bedding in youngsters in the right fixtures, alongside the right senior partners.
So I’m left wondering if it’s all really worth it?
Obviously it isn’t in the opinion of leadership teams at Barnet, Eastleigh, Solihull and Southend – which is why they chose not to enter. None of those teams are currently mired in the relegation battle, either.
I worry this may be another misstep from the Dr and KEH Sports; chasing fairy-tale commercial opportunities over delivering solid performances on the pitch and climbing the competitive ladder.
