(08 May 2014, 10:07 pm)AdamY wrote I really don't see the point in a 'B' league, however, I don't have a problem with 'B' teams providing that they start in the Vaux Wearside League (or whatever) and work their way up the pyramid system until the glass ceiling is reached - which, in my opinion, should be League 1.
This way, everybody benefits. Lower league teams will receive increased revenue from gate receipts as the likes of Newcastle United B battle teams such as West Allotment Celtic, Ryton & Crawcrook Albion or Dunston UTC during their inevitable rise up the pyramids. Hopefully, players at those clubs will gain something by playing against a better calibre of opponent as it is often stated that this is how one improves their game. Also, as coaching and scouting staff will be present at these games, we might see one or two lower-league players joining the ranks of bigger clubs if they impress. If a compensation scheme is put in place, this also has the potential to boost the finances of lower-league clubs.
Also, as Talksport have been banging on about all night, what damage does a 'B' League do to the likes of FC United if Manchester United can field a team in a division two or three leagues above them?
Fair point and I agree with you, B teams should be made to start in the Wearside League, Northern Alliance or Teesside League, but that would never happen, even an predominantly Under-21 team would smash there way up the Pyramid, I saw Sunderland Reserves play Wolviston from the Wearside League a few years ago and they won about 8-0. If the FA went along that route B teams would mostly likely be put at Step 4(Northern Premier League Division 1) or Step 6(Northern League Division 2).
The main problem with this proposal would be attendances for such games, West Allotment v Newcastle Reserves would be well attended at West Allotment, but Newcastle B home games would not be so well attended, as they are in the same league system, most fans will be watching 'Big' Newcastle at SJP or somewhere else in the country.
The proposal at the moment is forming a League 3 for 10 B teams and the rest from the Conference, the B teams would not be allowed to go higher than League 1 or lower than the Conference, they would not be allowed entry into the FA Cup or League Cup...
I personally think League 2 should be expanded to a North/South format with 10 B teams in each section with the current League 2 teams and 4 Conference clubs making up the rest to give the divisions a full quota of 24 each