 Saturday, 11th Jun 2016 22:47 by pompey-fans.com staff Pompey fans are furious with the decision to allow Premier League academy teams play in the Football League Trophy. It especially rankles with Blues supporters after Pompey were fined for fielding young and inexperienced players in last season's competition. The Pompey Supporters' Trust were moved to issue a statement confirming they and the club both opposed the move. A majority of other clubs in League One and League Two did not. The PST statement said: 'Following the decision yesterday at the EFL AGM that will see Premier League Academy teams invited to enter the ‘EFL Trophy’ (more recently the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy) for season 2016-17, the PST wishes to advise its members that we strongly opposed this change. 'Our views were shared with Portsmouth Football Club and CEO Mark Catlin voted against the proposal. Unfortunately other teams did not share our view and the proposal was approved.' The Trust quoted Catlin sa saying: 'A number of clubs, including myself representing Portsmouth FC, argued strongly against the introduction of 16 X Cat 1 (Academy) Premier League clubs entering the EFL Trophy. After this debate a vote was held where a simple majority of L1 and L2 clubs was required for a one year pilot to take place. Despite ourselves and a number of other clubs voting against the proposals the majority voted in favour.' PST chairman Ashley Browntold the trust website: “The immediate impact of the decision might not appear to be too disruptive for Pompey and other League 1 and 2 clubs in the short term. 'The real concern is what it might invite in the future and the PST will continue to fight to maintain the traditional Football League pyramid system. Keeping the ‘B’ teams out of the newly titled ‘EPL Trophy’ is an important stand to make and I hope it can be reversed after this season.' The PST will continue to monitor the situation and share its views with the main club board through Ashley Brown, John Kimbell and Mark Trapani. Fans wishing to share their views can tweet @PompeyTrust, @AshBeen23, @MrKimbell and/or @SlowHandTrap, comment on the PST Facebook page or email trustmatters@pompeytrust.com.
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