Ally McCoist backs new Premier League plans to ease fixture congestion that will help Everton out
Ally McCoist is backing the proposals from the Premier League to ease fixture congestion by scrapping third and fourth-round replays entirely from the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
The plans also suggest that clubs who are playing in European competitions will either sit out the Carabao Cup or field Under-21 sides.
McCoist admitted that he has no sympathy for the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool who have the budgets to bully other club’s in competitions like the Carabao Cup.
Speaking to TalkSport, McCoist said the teams at the lower end of the pyramid need to be helped out in some way and this could be the perfect opportunity to do so.
“I totally understand the need to compensate the lower league teams
“I just think sometimes, replays can add to the calendar and the congestion can be difficult, particularly for teams that don’t have squads like Man City.
“I think we’re in agreement that the teams at the bottom of the pyramid need to be looked after.
“I don’t have a great deal of sympathy with City and Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, they have squads that should be able to compete on all levels.”
Groundbreaking
The plans to scrap FA Cup replays and make radical changes to the League Cup could be groundbreaking for Everton and other clubs who struggle to compete with the Premier League’s top clubs.
It also gives the chance to smaller teams to win some silverware; the League Cup has been dominated by Manchester City and Liverpool in recent campaigns.
Moreover, the changes can help sides with smaller squads to give their talents adequate rest, injuries to vital stars have become an all too common occurrence in recent years.
With more pressure being added every day for the Premier League to evenly distribute money down the pyramid this one may move forward quickly.
The FA and EFL will still have to agree on certain points regarding the proposals but the fact they’ve been presented already bodes well for them becoming a reality.
This is good news for all the smaller clubs in English football, not just Everton, we’ve got our fingers crossed for this one.