Gillingham Chairman Paul Scally voted against plans to change the structure of the Football League’s Trophy.

What was the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, and now set to be the EFL Trophy, plans emerged to allow Premier League sides to enter a “B” team into the competition.

However, that has been met with some opposition from Football League clubs and the Gillingham Chairman is one of those opposed to the idea with the club having issued the following statement:

“Although Gillingham Football Club are yet to win the EFL Trophy, formerly known as the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, that the competition offers teams the chance to play a cup final at Wembley Stadium means it’s one the majority of clubs take seriously.”

“However, we do not believe the introduction of Premier League B teams and development squads will incentivise more fans to attend matches, nor do we feel the trophy’s worth will be increased by these changes (even if it is currently only a one season trial).”

“Removing any historical sponsorship deals, the competition is the Football League Trophy; by default, it should only be open to Football League clubs (or EFL, as it is now known).”

“As a result, club chairman Paul Scally voted against the proposals at last week’s EFL annual general meeting.”

The plans though were voted through by the Football League clubs and sixteen category 1 Premier League academy or under-21 teams will now enter into the competition with the Premier League having doubled the prize fund with an additional £1 million in the prize fund.

The EFL Trophy will now see 64 teams compete in 16 groups of four, meaning The Gills will play at least three games in the competition from August.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the knockout stages with one of each of the Premier League sides expected to be in each group.