Today Saints takes what may be a controversial stand point when it comes to Saints ability to win some silverwear next season. Do you agree ? post your views in the comments section.

Yesterday saw the release of EFL Trophy regional groups, with Saints' academy youngsters drawn in Group C of the southern section alongside MK Dons, Northampton Town and Stevenage.

The competition again sees 16 invited clubs — 15 Premier League and one Championship — join League One and Two clubs in 16 groups split into northern and southern sections.

As the 2019-20 final, due to be contested between Portsmouth and Salford City, has not yet taken place, Pompey remain the current holders having beaten Sunderland 5-4 on penalties the previous season.

Since the concept of incorporating “category one” academy teams was introduced in 2016-17, only two, Swansea City (2016-17) and Chelsea (2017-18), have made it as far as the semi-finals.

In 2018-19, only Manchester City made it to the quarter-finals before being dispatched by Sunderland and, last season, just Leicester City were left flying the flag for the invited clubs but went out at the same stage to Newport County.

Saints have failed to make it out of the group stage since 2016 when they went on to go out 3-4 on penalties to the Reading academy side.

The following year saw a third-place group finish behind Peterborough United and Northampton, but the past two competitions have seen Saints rooted to the bottom with one win in six games.

However, as described above, Saints are by no means the only Premier League and Championship outfits to find the trophy a struggle.

Despite Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool walking away with the Premier League title last season, their academy was left reeling after suffering three defeats and a last-place finish in the group stage.

The competition definitely has its detractors and they come from fans from all leagues levels alike - whether that be the League One and Two clubs who oppose Premier League and Championship involvement or the top flight clubs for whom supporters’ interest is minimal.

The reception to the new format by League One and Two fans was overwhelmingly negative and saw the opening rounds of fixtures marked by record low attendances.

I found that bizarre given the opportunities the development presented and many of these fans have gone on to see memorable victories over elite names, such as Fleetwood Town’s 3-0 demolition of Leicester City in 2017-18, Sunderland’s 4-0 derby win at home to Newcastle in 2018-19 and Tranmere’s 3-2 road two win over Manchester United last season.

There is also the rare glimpse of future Premier League stars - and even internationals - when, for example, Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi was top scorer in 2017-18 and Belgian international Michy Batshuayi featured against MK Dons.

In 2016-17, former Barcelona starlet Bojan scored for Stoke City against Bury and, last season, Manchester United’s line-up at Lincoln’s Sincil Bank included the now-familiar Tahith Chong, Angel Gomes and full-back Brandon Williams.

But, in any event, a shirt is a shirt and a crest is a crest no matter who adorns it. Therefore, a win against top clubs should be celebrated and I am pleased the EFL has maintained the format.

Equally, this innovation enables excellent career development for young players who could go on to be established first-teamers or, in the case of Manchester City’s Rabbi Matondo, set-up a move for regular top-tier action at Schalke 04 in Germany while, for fans, there is an opportunity to see their young talent in action and bag another trophy along the way - a trophy which is significant in a different way.

While the major clubs would, I am sure, chortle in amusement at the suggestion the chance to lift the trophy should be desired, for Saints - as winners of the tournament in 2009-10 - we know what a special occasion it can be and, unlike the big boys, trophies are few and far between at St Mary’s.

Given the strength of Saints’ youth set-up and its rise to prominence once again, I for one would love to see the club make a real push for progress in the cup next season and provide the prospect of a showpiece Wembley final alongside a top-half Premier League finish and a decent cup run for the first-team.

The fact no academy team has made it to the final or won the title yet is a clear indication of how tough the challenge is - slugging it out with seasoned pros on wet and cold evenings in small and hostile grounds is clearly proving too much for many.

It also means that, should Saints go on to lift the trophy, it would not only make history in the competition for these young players but demonstrate once again the strength of the club’s academy system - one which has produced so much top-class talent over the years.

For Saints, the past two competitions have not been up to standard, particularly given the prize on offer. However, with the buzz around some of the club’s youngsters we could see the development of a new golden era - and, should last season’s final not take place, the satisfaction of taking the title away from Fratton Park.

Though, of course, Pompey may retain it should it go ahead as they made it to the final for the second year running.

As things stand, Bournemouth (who won the trophy under its original name, the Associate Members' Cup, in 1983-84), Saints (2009-10) and Pompey (2018-19) are all level on one title apiece.

Another reason to aim high this time round!

**One teen who could be set to feature is former Walsall academy striker Luke Pearce, 16, who joined Saints last week after the two clubs reached agreement on compensation.

Having featured and scored for the Saddlers’ youth and reserve teams, he trained regularly with the first-team last season and was an unused substitute in the EFL Trophy against Chelsea in December. He is certainly one to watch.

Photo: Action Images

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