DARRYL Eales has called on Oxford United supporters to back the team in the EFL Trophy, saying a boycott would do more damage to the club than the competition.

The rebranded tournament, formerly the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, has provoked a backlash since it was unveiled last month.

Top of the list of criticisms for many is the introduction of 16 Category One academy sides, which is seen by some as the first step towards Premier League B teams entering the league pyramid.

In a poll on the Oxford Mail website yesterday, 65 per cent of those who took part said they would not attend the entire competition, while a further 17 per cent intended to avoid games against the academy sides.

Jeremy Faulkner, chairman of United’s supporters’ trust OxVox, admitted earlier this month the new format risked some fans deciding to boycott the competition.

While Eales was not in favour of the changes, the club’s board backed the one-season pilot at the Football League’s AGM in June.

In a statement, the U’s chairman stressed they would never vote to permit B teams in the league structure, but encouraged fans to get behind the team.

Eales said: “This is a one year experiment – period.

“The club will not vote for a continuation of this format and the inclusion of B teams going forward.

“Given this position, I would like to think that we will support the experiment and get behind the team, as the prize is still a day out at Wembley.

“To be clear, it is this experiment that the board voted for and nothing else.

“A boycott is, of course, the fans’ prerogative but the reality is it harms the club more than the competition.

“It is not the ‘thin end of the wedge’ and this club will never support the introduction of B teams into the league structure.

“Moreover, every chairman I have spoken to about this issue is in full agreement that this will never happen.

“Furthermore, to reiterate the rules, even if it went to a vote, it would require over 90 per cent of clubs to vote in favour.

“This, in my view, simply will not happen.

“I commend supporters for their passionate desire to protect and defend our game – and long may this continue.

"But we need to retain perspective and ensure we fight the battles that need fighting, rather than those which haven’t arisen, and in my view, won’t arise.”

When the draw for the competition’s group stage was made yesterday, six of the original 16 clubs originally invited – including Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United – declined to take part.

Chelsea did take up the offer and were drawn in the same group as the U’s, who will visit Stamford Bridge in November.