Competition for Premier League and Championship 'B teams' to be explored

A similar system is used in Spain where Real Madrid and Barcelona B teams play in the lower leagues

FA chairman Greg Dyke (Getty)

A new competition for B teams for the leading Premier League and Championship clubs is to be considered by the Football Association board on Wednesday but there is already considerable opposition from the clubs.

The plan, part of FA chairman Greg Dyke's commission aimed at boosting the number of young English players at the top of club football, would see the new division placed between League Two and the Conference.

Other proposals would see the number of home-grown players required in league clubs' 25-man squads increased from the current minimum of eight, and a shake-up of the loan system.

The B-team plan would involve the 24 clubs with a top-rated academy but there are concerns in the professional game that it would disrupt the traditional pyramid which allows clubs to be promoted and relegated through the divisions.

Conference and League Two clubs, for example, would be strongly oppose well-resourced under-21 sides from wealthy Premier League clubs competing with them for league places.

Premier League clubs are understood to have serious reservations, as do many in the Football League and Conference.

There is also a feeling that there is a breakthrough taking place with young English players, with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana, Jay Rodriguez, Luke Shaw and Ross Barkley promising a bright future for the national side.

Clubs in countries such as Spain and Germany do have B sides playing in lower divisions - Real Madrid and Barcelona both do, for example but they do not have the same historic and structured pyramid as English football.

Alan Algar, sponsorship manager for Conference sponsors Skrill, told BBC Radio 5 Live the plan was "disgraceful".

He said: "I think it's a disgraceful proposal because it makes it very difficult for non-league clubs to feel part of the football pyramid," he said.

"People all over the world look towards England and are envious of our pyramid and the way things work here. To insert a number of teams that aren't competitive and won't have a fan base just makes it very difficult."

Football League chairman Greg Clarke is a member of Dyke's commission but said in September the body was not in favour of feeder or B clubs.

He said: "The Football League is not keen to have feeder clubs. If you look at leagues which do have them, you tend not to get good attendances.

"We don't like the idea of it and I don't believe it would solve the problem - but we will look at it as nothing is off the table."

PA