While not wanting to knock the SPFL for trying something new, it’s probably fair to say the new League Cup format is a little too complicated.
No prizes for guessing I’m referring to the use of penalty shoot-outs at the end of drawn games.
Last weekend saw both city clubs involved in them, United winning a bonus point at Arbroath and Dundee missing out at East Fife.
In all honesty, the penalties are unnecessary and, so far, have only led to confusion.
Some reports of them described the side that came out on top. Even the SPFL’s official site described United’s result at Gayfield as a win for them, when in the group tables the result was recorded as a draw with the Tangerines earning a bonus point.
Football’s beauty is in its simplicity so, for me, it would be better to just have a point apiece for drawn ties and move on to the next game.
It’s also worth pointing out, from what I’ve seen and heard, the normal drama that goes with penalties has been missing in the games they’ve been used.
Down at Arbroath, there was an air of getting them out of the way as quickly as possible and they didn’t add to the entertainment.
Like I say, the SPFL have tried something new and credit to them. Maybe next season, though, it would be better to keep things simpler and boot the spot-kicks.
To be fair to the ruling body, that they should attempt a revamp was right. The League Cup is a competition, certainly in its early stages, that’s been floundering for a number of years.
For me, it was a mistake to move away from an event that started in the early weeks of each campaign and ran almost continuously until it reached a conclusion around November time.
That way it gained at least some momentum and held the interest of spectators, who, in recent times, have only really taken an interest if their team has reached the semi-finals.
At least this season it has given punters the chance to see their favourites in early competitive action. It should also be said the group set-up provides valuable income for small clubs.
And, so far, many have looked better prepared than their full-time opponents.
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