SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is against Premier League sides entering their under 21 teams in to the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Lower league clubs have been asked to consider the proposal which was aired at a recent meeting at St George’s Park to discuss issues arising from the FA Chairman’s England Commission.

But Brown believes the idea would cheapen the competition.

“I’m certainly against this and really don’t want to see this happen,” said the 55-year-old.

“I think it devalues the competition and would just be another way for the big boys to be able to flex their muscles and show how many players they have.

“But the JPT is a competition for the lower leagues so let us get on with it.”

Blues reached the final of the competition in 2013 and took close to 33,000 fans to Wembley to watch their 2-0 defeat to Crewe Alexandra.

However, Brown does not believe there would be as much interest in watching under 21 teams.

“As a football club we have a bit of history in this competition so we’re well placed to talk about it because we know how special it can be,” said Brown.

“To take 33,000 fans to the final like we did was magnificent. But would we have taken that many fans if we were playing against Manchester United’s under 21 team? I certainly don’t think so.”

Lower league clubs were against the idea of putting Premier League side’s under 21 teams in to their division.

The JPT proposal has therefore been aired as an alternative.

But a statement from the Football League confirmed it would only go ahead if the clubs already in the competition were in favour of it happening.

"Clubs have been asked to consider the concept of permitting 16 under 21 teams from clubs with category one academies to participate in the Football League Trophy,” read the statement.

"The competition would feature 16 groups of four teams with one under 21 team in each group, before a knockout stage leading to a final at Wembley Stadium.

“League One and Two clubs have been asked to indicate whether they were content to see the Football League progress the matter, which would include discussions with the Premier League and Football Association, so that clubs can consider a full proposal at a future point.

"Therefore, as yet, no club has voted in favour or against the idea of having under 21 teams in the Football League Trophy, they have only indicated whether they wish to consider the matter further.

"Ultimately any changes to this competition will only happen with the support of League One and Two clubs."