7 teams have now declined their invite for the NL cup, any idea why there must be reason.
“ A statement from the club confirmed:
Hartlepool United Football Club have declined the invitation to play in the 2025-26 National League Cup
Following thorough internal discussions, the Club have decided to decline entering this season’s National League Cup.
The focus and priority remain on achieving success in the league.”
Concerns surrounding the National League Cup centre on fixture congestion, the cost of staging games, poor attendances, injury risks, and the added pressure on already stretched squads – all against the backdrop of an already demanding schedule. “
