Everton

Everton boss Roberto Martinez backs FA's 'B team' league proposal

By Danielle Joynson, Staff ReporterPublished: 09 May 2014 8:39 AM

Everton manager Roberto Martinez says that he is in "favour" of the FA commission's proposal of a division for Premier League 'B teams'.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez believes that the FA commission's proposal to introduce a division for Premier League 'B teams' is "very exciting".

The report, which was released yesterday, has sparked widespread debate after chairman Greg Dyke revealed that the division would be placed below League Two and will be subject to promotion and relegation.

"We need to be aware there is a big problem in developing young players in English football," Martinez said in Friday's press conference. "The FA has come up with something I think is very exciting.

"B sides is something that works if you work at it properly. I would be in favour of it and we would all get the benefits. It is not straight away, because you would need relegation and promotion to take effect but then after you would see the benefit.

"The possibility of playing Championship football should also be considered and I think the age group should be increased because you get late developers, but it is healthy to talk about."

The report also detailed proposals to reduce the number of non-homegrown players in top flight squads from 17 to 12 over five years, as well as banning non-EU players from joining clubs outside of the Premier League.