By Steven Oldham Cover photo: Getty Photos
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Carlisle United decline place in National League Cup
Carlisle United have declined a place in the troubled National League Cup ahead of their return to the fifth tier for the first time in over two decades.
The Brunton Park side confirmed the decision earlier this week.
Chief Executive, Nigel Clibbens said: “The board held discussions internally and reached the view that given the nature of the competition and previous experience in the EFL trophy, the right choice was not to enter.”
Mark Hughes’ Carlisle side started their pre-season with a 1-0 loss at Motherwell.
READ MORE: Northern League: 2-1 home win for Carlisle City
Altrincham withdraw from competition
Altrincham will not take part in the competition either – despite making the semi finals last season.
Phil Parkinson’s side succesfully navigated the eight team group stage ahead of local rivals Oldham Athletic and Rochdale before knocking out Newcastle United U21s in the quarter finals.
A 2-1 defeat to eventual winners Leeds United U21 followed in the semi-finals.
The Robins posted a brief statement on their website confirming their decision.
“Altrincham Football Club can confirm that we have declined an invite to enter the 2025/26 National League Cup.
With the Enterprise National League fixtures released today and round dates for the National League Cup included, we can now confirm the Robins will not be participating.”
No word on Morecambe involvement amid sale saga
At the time of publishing there’s no news on whether another relegated side, Morecambe, will be taking part in the competition. A tumultuous off season for the Lancashire club took another turn with a sale to a third party agreed.
Previous owners-elect Panjab Warriors – who looked set to take over the club as recently as earlier this week – are now seemingly overlooked despite investing in the club for over a year.
No decision from Rochdale
Rochdale are another side not to have publicly stated whether they’re in or out after narrowly missing out on the knockout rounds last year.
Jimmy McNulty’s side enter their third season in the National League on the back of a run to fourth place before losing in the playoffs to eventual finalists Southend United.
AFC Fylde – now relegated to the National League North – did not compete last year. Oldham Athletic did, but their promotion to League Two leaves them unable to compete in this competition.
A troubled return for the National League Cup
Last season’s relaunched National League Cup was beset by problems – with a number of teams not competing, poor attendances and negative reaction towards the inclusion of Premier League 2 U21 teams.
The relaunch coincided with the decision to remove replays in the FA Cup from the first round proper. This denied several non-league sides – including Forest Green Rovers, Southend United and Maidenhead United – a money-spinning return fixture after holding EFL opposition to a draw over 90 minutes.
Leeds United U21s went on to win the competition, beating Sutton United 2-1 last April.
Eastleigh, Southend, Yeovil Town and York City have also declined participation in this year’s tournament so far.
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