The people who look down their noses at the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy should probably take a glance at a list of former winners – current Premier League sides Wigan Athletic, Wolves, Bolton, Birmingham City, Stoke City and Blackpool have all laid their hands on the trophy in the past.
Last season, Leeds United and Norwich City graced the competition before moving to the elevated stature of Championship sides, while last term’s winners, Southampton, are joined by Charlton Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday this season.
Although crowds sometimes dip below 1,000 for the early rounds, Southampton attracted almost 30,000 to St Mary’s for last season’s southern final second leg victory over MK Dons, while almost 74,000 packed in to Wembley to see Alan Pardew’s then side thrash Carlisle United 4-1 in the final.
The competition has been operating since 1983 and offers a real opportunity for League One and Two teams to enjoy a long Cup run – an invitation to the leading Blue Square Bet Premier League sides to take part being no longer on offer.
Who will win this season’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy? – Latest Football Betting
At various times in the past being called the Associate Members’ Cup, Football League Trophy, Freight Rover Trophy, Sherpa Van Trophy, Leyland DAF Cup, Autoglass Trophy, Auto Windscreens Shield Trophy and LDV Vans Trophy, the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy is now an established part of the season.
The pick of this week’s games sees Huddersfield Town face Peterborough United in a battle between two sides that will have their eye on securing promotion this season, while Chesterfield will be looking to cause a shock at currently misfiring Sheffield Wednesday, who at this stage are the online favourites to win the competition.
In the southern section, Leyton Orient entertain Brentford in a clash between two of London’s unfashionable clubs while MK Dons face Charlton Athletic, who were in English football’s top-flight just over three years ago.
There will be a new name on the trophy as Southampton were surprisingly beaten 3-0 at home by Swindon Town in the first round and the Robins will fancy their chances of beating League Two side Torquay United and progressing to the third round.
