So this will start as a 30 team league, comprising League 1, League 2 and SPL B teams. Each team plays 6 matches (between August and November) then the top 22 progress to the knockout stage where the 10 Championship sides join.

The prize money has been increased, but I expect teams like us will be using the group stage to give game time to youngsters and fringe players.

A farce!

I’d have been more enthusiastic if Highland and Lowland League teams were involved.

Absolutely agree Robert - I’d much rather have top teams from the Highland and Lowland leagues than Premiership B teams.

What a shambles of a tournament. Relegated to nothing more than a B Team training competition. A post on P & B sums it up well:

“The amount of changes lower league clubs have to make to our cup competition, league structure and loan system all to suit big teams who simply don't want to play their own players is insane”.

It's a format that will likely result in clubs with small squads sustaining more injuries which will adversely affect them in competitions which actually matter. Consequently, I suspect most clubs will simply rest several key players and use it as an opportunity to give game time to fringe players and youngsters. That, in itself is no bad thing, but it detracts from the competition having any real meaning and consequently crowds will likely be very low.

So, pointless midweek games, fringe players vs B teams, high probability of poor crowds - and running floodlights.

That'll pay for itself!

🤔

On 7/17/2025 at 2:24 PM, ICTPaisley said:

Looks like I was correct. Now if this format doesn’t change does this mean we’re stuck only ever able to get 6 out of the same 8 teams each season?

The way to avoid that is to get promoted to the Championship and enter the competition at the last 32 stage and avoid the ridiculous league stage.