Reserves league gets a new look

Last updated : 16 June 2005 By Tony Scholes

Mark Yates - reserve team coach
That saw us drop into the First Division West but any hopes of promotion were dashed as we finished down in seventh place which was no real surprise given the inexperienced squad usually at Mark Yates’ disposal.

There will be no chase for promotion next season either with news that the league has decided to remove its two tier structure and has instead opted for three leagues all at the same level.

The move appears to have come about to cut down on travelling and next season, although we will play in Division One (West) again, the other two leagues will be Division One (Central) and Division One (East).

Manchester United are gone after one year, new Premiership rules means they have to field an extra team in their leagues, whilst Wigan have also now moved their reserves into the Premier Reserve League.

We are in a league of ten and the others in the league are Blackpool, Bury, Carlisle United, Chester City, Northwich Victoria, Preston North End, Shrewsbury Town, Tranmere Rovers and Wrexham.

Sheffield United must have a big squad, they have opted to have teams in both the Central and East leagues.

There’s also prize money on offer and end of season play offs although quite what teams are playing off for is difficult to see with nowhere to be promoted to. Divisional winners will receive £2,000 and will go into the play offs along with the best runner up. The play off winners will receive an extra £1,500.

One other change will ensure there are more evening kick offs although this does not affect Burnley in terms of home games. Each club must play at least half of its games in the evening with seven o’clock kick offs.

Is this to ensure supporters can get there? Not on your life, it is because they have been struggling to get referees for afternoon kick offs.

There is no news on where Burnley will play their Pontin’s League fixtures but given the way free entry was so strongly included in the season ticket information they must surely be ready to return to Turf Moor.