Scunthorpe boss Andy Butler has backed the club’s potential participation in the controversial National League Cup, arguing the competition offers valuable long-term benefits despite numerous other clubs choosing to withdraw.
If selected as one of the 16 National League clubs to participate following several withdrawals, Butler told BBC Radio Humberside that he sees the competition as an opportunity to test his squad against elite opposition, with potential benefits extending far beyond the pitch.
“I think it’s a good competition,” Butler explained. “Would I like to be in it? Yeah, of course I would, because I think you can put yourself against Under-21 teams, Premier League teams.”
His enthusiasm stems from the networking opportunities such fixtures could provide, with potential implications for future transfer activity.
“You could probably then get a little bit of a relationship with [those clubs], and it may help us further down the line,” he added.
The National League Cup is a 32-team midweek competition comprising 16 Premier League 2 under-21 teams and 16 National League first teams. The tournament, which was won by Leeds United U21s last season, begins in October and last year offered a combined prize fund of £1million provided by the Premier League, with prize money distributed to National League clubs.
The cup was relaunched last season to give young players from Premier League and EFL clubs additional opportunities to test themselves against senior opposition, while offering National League clubs the chance to play regular matches against England’s best Under-21 teams at their own stadiums. Crucially, National League clubs keep all gate receipts from these fixtures.
However, the competition has been met with fierce criticism from fans of National League clubs, who view it as an unwanted distraction from traditional competitions.
Scunthorpe’s potential participation would set them apart from several National League clubs who have already opted out, including Carlisle United, Yeovil Town and Altrincham. These clubs are instead choosing to concentrate on the league and other cup competitions, highlighting the stark division within the National League over the competition’s merits.
Despite the mixed reception from other clubs and fan opposition, Butler remains steadfast in his support for entry.
“If the opportunity does arise, I’d put our team in for that,” he stated.
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