Premier League 2

Premier League 2 is the name given to the new competition that replaces the Under-21 Premier League from this season onwards.

Clearly, for an organisation with pretensions to global superiority such as the Premier League, any mention of the word ‘reserves’ is out of the question but, while the name given to the league is perhaps a little over the top, it is a competition worthy of a mention.

With the age limit now revised upwards to Under-23, clubs are also allowed to play a goalkeeper and up to three outfield players who are over that age and the aim is to get as close as possible to a ‘proper’ league structure with two divisions of twelve teams each and promotion and relegation between them.

Most importantly, from my point of view, at least three matches per season must be played at a club’s main ground and only a maximum of three can be staged at training grounds or academy venues.

That means plenty of opportunities for supporters, especially families, to watch matches that do have a competitive element to them (with the occasional star player turning out), in proper stadiums and for only a small cost.

Manchester United, for example, have been very good in the past couple of seasons at making all of their Under-21 games, whether played at their main venue of Leigh Sports Village (Leicester City are the visitors on Monday 15 August for a 7pm kick-off) or at Old Trafford, free of charge for everyone.

Norwich City have made a real occasion out of the matches they have played at Carrow Road, with family fun areas and free admission. Reading have done likewise and I would hope for more clubs to follow suit this season.

The action gets underway this weekend with matches such as Liverpool v Southampton at Tranmere’s Prenton Park on Sunday (kick-off 1pm, admission £4 Adults, £1 Children & Concessions) and a full list of fixtures is available at the official Premier League website although I would always urge keeping up to date with the home club themselves as fixtures can be changed at short notice.