BFC u21s in the EFL Trophy

[Banana]

You were slumming it joining us in the North!

For literacy/illustrative purposes only

 

[rebus]

Freely willing to admit my own mild hypocrisy. This one's local, so likely going with some chums from the area.

Bromley is my third team or something.....

Sad to read mate. You’re feeding the beast.

 

[callum2468]

If you walk through those turnstiles you are endorsing everything that is wrong with modern football. Think of the football family rather than ticking off grounds.

Let’s not forget, we were a League One/Two club once!

Despite your opinion on the subject, I’m looking forward to watching Saunders and co. finally bring that trophy home!

 

[Jay Bee]

Any ticket news for Bromley (a)? They have home end tickets on sale already.

Could do with some news soon, there's only two weeks to go.

 

[bexleybee]

Sad to read mate. You’re feeding the beast.

If i am going in the home end with someone with a prior Bromley booking history does that still count as a

 

[CTBee]

Sad to read mate. You’re feeding the beast.

Really doesn't matter if there's zero bees fans at these matches it won't stop our participation in it.

Would Bromley rather have the gate money from 500 bees fans or have 0 away fans there?

 

[BEEcool]

Any TAPs for this one?

 

[Hullbee]

Really doesn't matter if there's zero bees fans at these matches it won't stop our participation in it.

Would Bromley rather have the gate money from 500 bees fans or have 0 away fans there?

Not attending is robbing Bromley effectively as we will be nicking half the purse without contributing

 

[rebus]

Really doesn't matter if there's zero bees fans at these matches it won't stop our participation in it.

Would Bromley rather have the gate money from 500 bees fans or have 0 away fans there?

Bromley would rather not play kids who by and large have no chance of playing for Brentford's first team.

 

[A Real Mysteron]

I wasn’t going to go, but suddenly I quite fancy it.

 

[TadB]

Not attending is robbing Bromley effectively as we will be nicking half the purse without contributing

Is that what it is 50/50 I am surprised.

 

[Banana]

Bromley would rather not play kids who by and large have no chance of playing for Brentford's first team.

I bet they would rather not play Messi and Ronaldo too. What's your point caller?

 

[Hullbee]

Is that what it is 50/50 I am surprised.

Just done a bit of research

100 percent of revenue goes to national league team

All games are played at national league stadia

prize money is only given to national league teams

But at least future league one, two and journey men pros will get a run out in the red and white stripes and it’s better than watching or doing other things

 

[Banana]

Just done a bit of research

100 percent of revenue goes to national league team

All games are played at national league stadia

prize money is only given to national league teams

But at least future league one, two and journey men pros will get a run out in the red and white stripes and it’s better than watching or doing other things

So we are playing for free and out of the goodness of our hearts????

 

[Hullbee]

So we are playing for free and out of the goodness of our hearts????

Looks that way. The top flights way of giving back to the national league. Probably some tax right off or requirement by FA which unlocks more money for top flight clubs.

Or maybe we are watching football in its purest form for the fun of it with money messing things up

 

[hanwellbee]

Looks that way. The top flights way of giving back to the national league. Probably some tax right off or requirement by FA which unlocks more money for top flight clubs.

Or maybe we are watching football in its purest form for the fun of it with money messing things up

But we're playing EFL teams, not National League?

 

[Hullbee]

But we're playing EFL teams, not National League?

Hold the line caller Hullbee has assessed your neighbours planning application against the wrong plans which inadvertently means your garden will no longer get any sunlight….

If we were planning on entering the National league comp you now know the terms of engagement

https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/news/2026/august/05/draw-made-for-the-2026-27-national-league-cup-group-stages/

 

[Hullbee]

Correct information this time

• Group Stage: Because Academy teams play all their group stage matches away from home, they donate 100% of their 45% share back to the EFL club fund.

• Early Knockout Rounds: If an Academy side progresses, they keep 25% of their share and donate the remaining 20% to the fund.

• Semi-Finals & Final: The Academy side keeps 30% of their share and donates 15% back to the lower-league fund

 

[TadB]

Just done a bit of research

100 percent of revenue goes to national league team

All games are played at national league stadia

prize money is only given to national league teams

But at least future league one, two and journey men pros will get a run out in the red and white stripes and it’s better than watching or doing other things

Yes, that strikes me as being very fair. 50% of the gate is peanuts to us but no doubt vital for them . Good luck to them our payment is playing our kids in their competition,

 

[rebus]

Yes, that strikes me as being very fair. 50% of the gate is peanuts to us but no doubt vital for them . Good luck to them our payment is playing our kids in their competition,

What a terrible way of looking at it. Here, peasants, have our morsels and we’ll play kids too. How entitled have we become as a fan base?

 

[Banana]

What a terrible way of looking at it. Here, peasants, have our morsels and we’ll play kids too. How entitled have we become as a fan base?

Yes it's like when we get drawn away in the FA Cup against a non-league team. "Here peasants, have our morsels and we'll play the kids too". Incredible take.

 

[whyteleafebee76]

Looking forward to this, just down the road, early finish from work a few pints in my local and jump in an Uber.

 

[BEEcool]

Tricky one this. I would like to go but in doing so will have to accept that I have become one of the pigs from Animal Farm.

 

[TadB]

What a terrible way of looking at it. Here, peasants, have our morsels and we’ll play kids too. How entitled have we become as a fan base?

I understand where you are coming from and I have some sympathy for your position. That said, sometimes it is the best option to take things as they are and get on with it. There must be some advantage for football league clubs otherwise they would not sanction it, money probably. It is advantageous for us, even though I agree with your position on B team progression. If B teamers rarely progress to the first team then until that position improves we will sell the better ones thereby adding a little to the pool available to be spent on transfers. These matches assist that progress. If someone would like to see our young players against tougher opposition for themselves then why not. Their non attendance will change nothing other than that individual missing out.

 

[Edmundo]

Was Premier League academy participation in this competition forced on the EFL against the wishes of its members?

 

[hobbsy]

Was Premier League academy participation in this competition forced on the EFL against the wishes of its members?

Yes, they said they'd stop solidarity payments if they didn't agree

 

[whyteleafebee76]

I just want to watch some football to be honest and support Brentford players. Must be good for the lads to be playing in this and good to have a big Bees following cheering them on.

 

[Greybeard]

Let’s not forget, we were a League One/Two club once!

Despite your opinion on the subject, I’m looking forward to watching Saunders and co. finally bring that trophy home!

Yes we were. And we shouldn't now devalue it by using it as a training ground for our kids.

Big clubs playing U21 sides robs the competition of it's dignity and integrity.

 

[Sultan]

Two reasons I'm planning on going, not been to Bromley and I follow the B Team/U21 when I can (friendlies in Ireland x2, Isle of Man, County Cups, PL2).
I agree modern football is not changing for the better especially for lower league teams. If my £15 helps them then that is good. I will probably buy a badge, programme and food. Can I bring my flag to help create an atmosphere? Up the Bees.

 

[PLE]

Beware Bromley ultras have this

 

[jlove]

I just want to watch some football to be honest and support Brentford players. Must be good for the lads to be playing in this and good to have a big Bees following cheering them on.

This strikes me as an exceptionally reasonable position and one I would take if I was anywhere near Bromley – or a game was anywhere near me. Having a few beers, eating a disgusting burger and supporting your team with some fellow travellers is what football is all about, isn't it?

 

[Gee Bee]

How many EFL players will be loans from very same clubs in the competition, so we are happy for our players to help in the loan system, surely others entering this competition is useful development and possible career opportunities on show.
If it were a friendly against Bromley or others, which the B team have done for years, were there complaints?

 

[Jay Bee]

Yes it's like when we get drawn away in the FA Cup against a non-league team. "Here peasants, have our morsels and we'll play the kids too". Incredible take.

Exeter take one of our players on loan who is quite good "Here peasants, have our kids and make them better"

 

[nick logan]

I just want to watch some football to be honest and support Brentford players. Must be good for the lads to be playing in this and good to have a big Bees following cheering them on.

This is the key point , tremendous for the lads to have a good following

 

[Greybeard]

How many EFL players will be loans from very same clubs in the competition, so we are happy for our players to help in the loan system, surely others entering this competition is useful development and possible career opportunities on show.
If it were a friendly against Bromley or others, which the B team have done for years, were there complaints?

Not if it was a friendly, no.

I have no doubt that our players will benefit but that's not the point.

 

[nick logan]

Not if it was a friendly, no.

I have no doubt that our players will benefit but that's not the point.

What is the point ?

 

[Gee Bee]

Not if it was a friendly, no.

I have no doubt that our players will benefit but that's not the point.

It’s very much the point. Loans to EFL clubs seem ok but playing against them isn’t. Both assist the development of professional footballers

 

[TadB]

Yes we were. And we shouldn't now devalue it by using it as a training ground for our kids.

Big clubs playing U21 sides robs the competition of it's dignity and integrity.

To be honest I am not sure if this competition has ever had dignity or integrity. It has been frequently derided by calling it such names as ‘The Paint Pot Trophy’! Many lower league play a weaker team, and the gates are generally poor.

 

[nick logan]

To be honest I am not sure if this competition has ever had dignity or integrity. It has been frequently derided by calling it such names as ‘The Paint Pot Trophy’! Many lower league play a weaker team, and the gates are generally poor.

Its been a fantastic competition that has given us some of our best nights .
Brilliant for teams who wouldn't normally get a sniff of wembley

 

[SC]

To be honest I am not sure if this competition has ever had dignity or integrity. It has been frequently derided by calling it such names as ‘The Paint Pot Trophy’! Many lower league play a weaker team, and the gates are generally poor.

Its been a fantastic competition that has given us some of our best nights .
Brilliant for teams who wouldn't normally get a sniff of wembley

To be honest it's a bit of both isn't it. No one really cares in the early rounds, playing weakened teams and doesn't get worked up if they get knocked out but when you get towards the business end and have a chance of Wembley then the buzz kicks in. Oh that Newport game

 

[JANORAK]

Beware Bromley ultras have this

We should take plenty of sticks and ‘do a Keith Moon’…

 

[Hullbee]

What is the point ?

It’s another free pass to go and spend the evening having a few beers with mates or just to stand around other people who are drinking

 

[Freebee]

Its been a fantastic competition that has given us some of our best nights .
Brilliant for teams who wouldn't normally get a sniff of wembley

Couldn't agree more but i'd have been gutted if we got to the final and instead of playing Carlisle we had played Man City u21's instead and not a proper league team.

 

[nick logan]

Couldn't agree more but i'd have been gutted if we got to the final and instead of playing Carlisle we had played Man City u21's instead and not a proper league team.

Agree with that

 

[Jay Bee]

Couldn't agree more but i'd have been gutted if we got to the final and instead of playing Carlisle we had played Man City u21's instead and not a proper league team.

Me too. But only 2 out of the previous 160 academy sides entering have even got to the quarter finals, so I'd suggest it's an unlikely scenario.

 

[Freebee]

Me too. But only 2 out of the previous 160 academy sides entering have even got to the quarter finals, so I'd suggest it's an unlikely scenario.

If these u21 teams are not competitive as that suggests,i'd be even more pissed off if we'd beaten a load of u21's to get to the final and the league team we met there had been drawn against proper league teams.It would feel cheap to me.

I just don't like it but i've said my piece and i'll leave it there.

 

[Greybeard]

Couldn't agree more but i'd have been gutted if we got to the final and instead of playing Carlisle we had played Man City u21's instead and not a proper league team.

Would anyone have bothered going in those circumstances? I wouldn't.

 

[nick logan]

Me too. But only 2 out of the previous 160 academy sides entering have even got to the quarter finals, so I'd suggest it's an unlikely scenario.

Reverse Brentford innit

 

[Jay Bee]

Could do with some news soon, there's only two weeks to go.

Email back from the club

"I'm afraid we are not providing any tickets for this fixture. All tickets for home & away fans are going through Bromley only."

Not exactly encouraging interest in the fixture...
Will ring Bromley at lunchtime and ask if they are aware of this and where they suggest away fans buy. This is the seat map on their website for home fans

 

[Sultan]

Email back from the club

"I'm afraid we are not providing any tickets for this fixture. All tickets for home & away fans are going through Bromley only."

Not exactly encouraging interest in the fixture...
Will ring Bromley at lunchtime and ask if they are aware of this and where they suggest away fans buy. This is the seat map on their website for home fans

Poor show Bees. No Comms or ticket news on the website. Although one of the ladies team gets her tats out. Next we'll be having hair styling tips from Yehor. This is what the fans want.