The League Cup: is it really worth it anymore?
The big teams enter the League Cup for the first time this evening, although those expecting to see some big name players are likely to be disappointed. For a number of seasons now, the cup has become synonymous with second-string line ups and half empty stadia. If nobody is taking the competition seriously anymore, is it worth continuing with it?
Estbalished in 1960, the League Cup has always played second fiddle to the FA Cup as a domestic cup competition. Its standing in the eyes of fans and players alike has hardly been helped by a constantly changing name according to it’s most current sponsor, starting as the Milk Cup with four other sponsors before current incumbents Carling.
More importantly however, the simple fact is that the league remains the priority for the majority of clubs. The common conception is that this is just true for Premier League clubs, with those in the top half focusing on a place in Europe, and those nearer the bottom concentrating on maintaining their Premiership status and lucrative income stream.
However, the cup is increasingly a distraction for those in the lower leagues as well. They too see fit to use the competition as an occasion to give a run out to those players not making the first team, as well as those coming through the youth ranks. The league remains the priority, with a cup run considered a small bonus.
The victors of this season’s Carling Cup will get a spot in Europe, something that should be deemed a considerable incentive. However, as Harry Redknapp intimated last season, a place in the Europa League is now more of a burden than a reward for most clubs. The financial benefits are simply outweighed by the fixture congestion the tournament creates.
Of course, the Carling Cup does have some merits. Arsene Wenger’s policy of blooding youth players in the competition has become feted, whilst for some clubs it is an opportunity to renew old rivalries (although hopefully not in a way demonstrated by West Ham and Millwall in the previous round). Ultimately though, it is a chance of silverware that would otherwise be out of reach for most teams.
So whilst Gerrard, Torres, Fabregas et al. will have a chance for a rest this evening, the opportunity is there for some less well known players to make a name for themselves. Whether anybody will be paying any attention is a different matter entirely.
Are you bothered by the Carling Cup? Will you be watching the matches this evening? As ever, let us know your thoughts.
