West Brom academy want to stay in Checkatrade Trophy

Although the controversial decision to include category one academy teams was met with criticism and boycotts, under-23s boss James Shan said it was beneficial for his young players.

Football League clubs cast their vote on the future of the competition yesterday and will now await the EFL's decision on the outcome.

Even though the Baggies bowed out in the group stage this season after three 2-0 defeats, Shan was a huge fan.

“To to be exposed to that environment against first team senior players is great,” he said. “Even having four or five hundred more fans to play in front of adds to that excitement.

"There was a real first team mentality to the whole approach, the music before the game, walking off the bus and being exposed to cameras in their faces.

“We lost all three games by the same scoreline but as a young group I don’t think we disgraced ourselves with our performances.

"The first game against Millwall was probably our best performance, we were in the game for 60 minutes.

"In all three games I never felt we had enough edge or game intelligence or physical quality to win. But in terms of the whole experience, it was fantastic.

“There were some real positive benefits. Andre Wright went to Coventry because they got a glowing reference from Millwall. It was definitely beneficial for our players in a number of ways so I’d jump at the chance of getting back in it.”

Albion witnessed some of the major controversies of the tournament. Semi-finalists Luton were fined £15,000 by the EFL for fielding weak sides in the group stage and Hatters boss Nathan Jones made 11 changes to his side for their win over Albion.

The lowest gate in the competition came at The Hawthorns in November when just 274 people watched Albion lose 2-0 to Gillingham in a dead rubber.