Notts County have submitted their vote on the future format of the Checkatrade Trophy.
The EFL have been canvassing club opinion on the direction of the competition and presented clubs with the following options for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 campaigns:1) 64-team format to include 16 invited teams
2) 48-team format on a straight knockout basis
3) 48-team format with a group stage followed by knockout rounds
4) Abandon the competition
A survey conducted by Notts’ SLO team showed more than 50% of participants wanted to see the competition continue in some form.
And the club have today voted for option one which would see them compete in a four-team group, including a category one academy club who would play all their group stage fixtures away from home.
In this format, regionalisation would remain in place until the quarter-finals of the knockout stages.
Clubs voting for option one were asked to choose between enhanced prize money per win/draw and an increased participation fee, with Notts opting for the former.
Chairman and owner Alan Hardy said: “From both a competitive and financial point of view I am confident we have voted in the best interests of the club. The prize money on offer is vastly increased, presenting us with an opportunity to generate significant revenue to help us move the club forward.
“The results of our survey showed the majority of Notts fans see a future for this competition and, in light of the amendments proposed by the EFL, we believe we have opted for the best way forward.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank supporters who took the time to give us their views. Our chief executive, Jason Turner, has passed on their feedback at EFL meetings.
“We look forward to learning the result of the vote and giving the competition our best shot next season.”