Walsall boss reckons clubs will fight 'Plan B'

It emerged this week discussions are ongoing among clubs in the Football League's bottom two tiers over whether to permit under-21 teams to enter the competition from next season.

Smith, who has led the Saddlers to a first-ever appearance at Wembley through the tournament this season, believes the idea will be unpopular with both clubs and fans.

He said: "For me, what would supporters want to go and see? Would they want to see a Walsall v Bristol City final or a Manchester United B v Arsenal B final?

"I think that is the way the lower league clubs and smaller league clubs would see it. I would certainly feel that way. We talk about the development of players for the national team, I think we are part of that.

"Michael Cain and Jordy Hiwula getting games here is part and parcel of players going out on loan and experiencing games at men's level in Leagues One and Two."

Under the proposals, the Trophy would begin with teams divided into 16 regionalised groups of four, each containing an under-21 team.

The B team idea was first developed by FA chairman Greg Dyke as part of his Commission set up to find ways of improving the England national team.

But it has faced severe criticism, with the notion of introducing B teams into the Football League pyramid rejected outright by clubs last year.

Putting them into the Johnstone's Paint Trophy is seen as an alternative, but Smith believes it is time more money from the top level of the game found its way further down.

He said: "They have certainly focused on the Premier League, but the Elite Player Performance Plan always did.

"I think maybe the Football League was held to ransom by the solidarity payments a bit.

"There is a lot of money being spent at the top of the pyramid and it needs to spread down a bit more for my liking."