Updated at 14.04
THERE WERE BIZARRE scenes in Bradford’s 2-1 EFL Trophy win over Bury last night, as Irish goalkeeper Colin Doyle was substituted after just three minutes.
There has been speculation that Bradford’s switch was a bid to bend EFL Trophy rules.
The competition involving League One and League Two clubs, as well as academy sides from the Premier League, requires lower-league teams to field a minimum of five first-team players.
Previously known as the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, the EFL Trophy has attracted plenty of criticism owing to the first-team players rule, given that it is primarily regarded as an opportunity for clubs to develop younger players.
When asked why Doyle was taken off, Bradford assistant manager Kenny Black told BBC Radio Leeds: “He didn’t have a particularly good 45 seconds. The rules are there and we’d have loved to have played more kids tonight, but we have first-team guys that need games, so you adhere to the rules… All we’re doing is trying to keep everyone happy.”
31-year-old Doyle previously had stints at Birmingham and Blackpool, before memorably joining Bradford in a £1 deal last July.
The Cork-born stopper has represented Ireland at U21 and B level, and also earned a single cap for the senior side during a 2007 friendly against Ecuador.
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