New 'Premier League II' reserves competition under discussion to replace widely-criticised Under-21s set-up Proposed changes include fixtures that mirror those of the senior sides, allowing six over-age players per team and staging games in clubs' main stadiums. The Premier League's clubs are set for a revolution in reserve and youth team football. They have been given a set of proposals to try to improve the current set-up, which has come under fire from managers and led to the death of the old-fashioned reserve leagues. Arsenal 's Arsene Wenger is one of the high-profile bosses to have attacked the current Under-21 league - won last season by Manchester United - while Chelsea now feel forced to send their young players out on loan to foreign or lower-league clubs. But Mirror Sport can reveal the list of ideas includes: A FULL reserve league - nicknamed Premier League II - which will mirror the clubs' first team fixtures. FIVE over-21 players will be allowed in matches, as well as a senior goalkeeper, to encourage youth development. A TELEVISION contract which will feature live games shown at prime-time, including on Friday nights. MATCHES will be played in clubs' main stadiums, with reduced ticket prices to encourage fans to attend. BIG prize money of around £3million for the eventual champions to encourage clubs not to loan out their best up-and-coming players. It is also understood the academy systems at Premier League clubs will be given an overhaul, with teams set to be under-17s and under-19s rather than the current U16s and U18s. That is designed to give more youngsters a chance to succeed and prove themselves rather than being shown the door at 18. It is understood a circular has gone round to the clubs and with discussions underway there is certain to be a major shake-up. The Premier League has confirmed there are proposals on the table as they try to boost youth development in English football. It is also a welcome boost for clubs who, from next season, will no longer be able to loan out players midway through the season because world governing body FIFA is scrapping the "emergency loan" system. The ideas are likely to be voted on in the near future with the suggestion the new-look reserve league could come in for the 2017-18 season. The old-style Football Combination reserve league is remembered for helping produce young players through the system up until the 1980s, and that could now be on the way back. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/new-premier-league-ii-reserves-7569298
BIG prize money of around £3million for the eventual champions to encourage clubs not to loan out their best up-and-coming players. Doesn't sound like a great idea.
Because it would potentially deprive clubs like ours from signing players like Campbell, Brady, Hayden etc
I reckon they'd still send players out to lesser PL teams for a next step up. The problem development wise is that so many get to 18 and make no progress before they're released at 21. This could help with that.
I don't think a jackpot of a whopping £3m will make any difference whatsoever to availability of younger players. Particularly not the big clubs, who are rolling in enough cash to sink a battleship.
