The news that all Division Two and Three teams were dreading has been confirmed after the chance of playing in a dream final at Wingate & Finchley was ended for another season following the announcement that this season’s JC Barry Goldstein Trophy will not take place.
With Maccabi League chairman David Wolff this week describing the weather and resultant back-log “a nightmare,” the fact that teams agreed to larger divisions at the AGM has led to the competition, last won by UJIA last April, being scrapped.
Here is what some of the teams think about the decision.
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“It’s disappointing but expected. Twelve teams per division was always going to be a tough ask to get through by the end of the season.” Adam Hersh (Los Blancos)
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“When I read you tweet I was stunned. I couldn't sleep last night.
“It was pretty obvious with restructure of the divisions and the bad weather that this was always going to be the case.” Oli Shorts (North London Raiders B)
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“I think it’s the sensible option with increased teams in each division and still loads of games to be played between now and the end of the season. A couple more postponements and we’d be struggling to get them all in. We’d much rather scrap the cup this season than end up having to play double-headers in important league games to fit everything in.” Adam Luria (Catford & Bromley Maccabi)
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“It’s a shame that the BGT won’t be running this year. We had been looking forward to it this season but the structure of the divisions this year guaranteed more league games for the Division 2 and 3 teams. Hopefully this doesn’t signal the end for a cup competition in the lower leagues in future years.” Liam Stein (Glenthorne United B)
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"It's a real shame that there is no BGT this year, it's a great cup which gives lower league teams a chance to make a cup final.
"We understand why it's been cancelled as this was explained when the league restructure was forced down our throats meaning we got a double relegation!
"It would have made more sense to have a BGT/having smaller divisions since it means there is less pressure on completing so many league games, which this season is inevitably going to lead to double-headers." David Prager (L’Equipe)
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“It is a shame, but means we can now concentrate on our no. 1 priority. Promotion.” Laurence Conway (SPEC FC)
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“I expected it would be (scrapped) the minute they turned the divisions into 12 teams.
“I have lost in three semi's over the years, it’s a great competition for the lower leagues. Shame.” Simon Linden (Blizzard Storm)
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“We are disappointed not to have the chance to compete in the competition in our debut season, but understand the reasoning behind it. Hopefully it will return for next season.” Joe Levy (AC Mill Hill)
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"We are gutted it's been scrapped, as over the last two to three seasons we have done quite well in the cup, and always relished the chance of playing teams in the other divisions." Terry Jeffries (Temple Fortune B)
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"It is no surprise that it isn't going ahead with the lower leagues now consisting of 12 teams rather than 10 and the terrible weather recently. It is a shame though because we had a good run last year and we were looking forward to potentially going all the way this season." David Gordon (FC Team B)
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"As someone new to MSFL, the history of the cup isn't there for me.
Ultimately, we've been a bit short-changed in that regard however, as everyone enjoys a good cup run and it appears that extra league fixtures makes this impossible to run." Zack Gothelf (Norstar C)
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"I dont think its a bad idea as now Tottenham Chutspah can focus on league games which is our top priority at the moment." Ariel Tamman (Tottenham Chutspah)
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"Everyone thinks BGT stands for Britain's got Talent but for me those three letters will always mean Barry Goldstein Trophy and I'm gutted it's not happening. It's an absolute disgrace that it's been scrapped this year and that the MSFL should be ashamed of itself. I'm considering pulling out of the Anekstein in protest. I know technically we've been knocked out of that already but still, something needs to be done." Ian Tussie (Oakwood B)
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"What a pain that the Goldstein was postponed - this is what lower positioned clubs dream of. Norstar C have been on a good run and we could have actually competed for something." Daniel Tannenbaum (Norstar C)
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"I can understand with the league format being changed that it makes it more difficult. That being said, it always gives a chance for a club from the lower divisions a great opportunity for a moment in the spotlight and its a shame to lose that." Gabriel John (Jewventus)
Email your thoughts to dcaro@thejc.com
