Stronger Johnstone's Paint Trophy format could limit loans, says Micky Mellon
Shrewsbury Town boss Micky Mellon is remaining cautious over controversial plans to introduce Premier League 'B' teams into the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Discussions are ongoing among clubs in the Football League's bottom two tiers over whether to permit under-21 teams to enter the competition from next season.
The Town boss believes the move may strengthen the tournament, but make it harder for lower league clubs to pick up loan players.
"With the addition of Premier League teams you might spice up the tournament a bit more and generate more interest," said Mellon. "But I don't think there is an awful lot wrong with the tournament the way it is.
"It was competitive and we took it very seriously because it was our FA Cup if you like – it gave us a real chance of getting to Wembley.
"But I always try to be positive and it sounds great us playing against Manchester United, Man City and Chelsea under-21 teams.
"We are going into the unknown but I want to be enthusiastic about it and I want it to be a success."
Mellon believes it is often difficult to predict whether changes to a tournament will be successful until after they have come into force - with the boss citing the Anglo-Italian Cup as an example.
"Things often start as a good idea but you have to see how they evolve," he said. "I was involved with a similar thing as a player with the Anglo-Italian Cup, it started as a good idea but problems soon began to spring up.
"It could be a huge success although it might make teams in the Premier League think twice about sending players out on loan. If they are still in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy player's like (Fulham defender) Jack Grimmer, who was successful with us (on loan), might not be available."
n Town's lengthy injury list could see out of favour midfielder Aaron Wildig given a chance to shine.
"I have always been pleased with Aaron it's just the opportunities haven't been there for him because the midfield has been such a strong area," Mellon said.
"But in the situation we find ourselves in at the minute, with the amount of bodies we have fit, there will be opportunities for players because it's all hands on deck. We will try and find a way to win every game we take part in and whoever we believe is needed for that will be used."