Simon Rusk has hailed the positive impact the EFL Trophy has had on Albion under-23s since first entering the competition in 2016.
The Seagulls have been drawn in Southern Group G for this season’s competition and will play Charlton Athletic, AFC Wimbledon and Leyton Orient. Group fixtures will start in September.
After an impressive first season that saw Rusk’s side reach the last 16, they experienced two years of mixed results and failed to progress beyond the group stages, before topping their group last season only to be knocked out in the first knockout round on penalties by Newport County.
Rusk said, “This tournament has got its critics, but the positives outweigh the cons. There are players who have got their first taste of men’s football in the Trophy who are now playing in the Premier League.
“Aaron Connolly, Ben White and Steven Alzate all featured in the competition and have now played at a really high level. It’s a different test for a League One or Two opponent to come up against an under-23 at a Premier League club, for them to say ‘look you’re up and coming, but you’ve got to try and get the better of me’, there’s that added dynamic.
“League teams want to put young players in their place and I see that as healthy. If you’re a younger player coming up against someone who has 400 or 500 league games under their belt that young player might be saying ‘I am here to give you the run around’. So we really enjoy the games – they have always been interesting.”
It also offers prospective clubs that might want to sign Albion’s younger players on loan the chance to see how they fair.
“It’s brilliant in that it challenges the players in a different way from a typical under-23 match,” added Rusk. “It’s good not only for their development, but it puts the boys in the shop window.”
Rusk wants to see Albion’s involvement continue for years to come.
“From our point of view it’s a fantastic tournament, and it’s also a good opportunity for senior players to get some minutes under their belt.
“Last season we had Jason Steele in goal for us and he was fantastic throughout the tournament. I hope the current format that involves under-23 sides continues into the future.”