Criticism and Support
Having reserve teams play within the league system rather than a separate reserve league is a contentious issue. The majority of lower league clubs claim that they lose money as reserve side have low attendances and virtually no traveling support. In the 2010-11 German season 3.Liga Bayern Munich II (whose parent club is one of the more popular in the country) average under 1,000 fans, with this propped up by traveling fans of other clubs. In the same season Dynamo Dresden average gates of over 16,000. It is also claimed that the barring of the sides from being promoted to their parent teams league or automatic relegation if their 'A' side is relegated makes a mockery of the season that the reserve side had just competed in.
However there is support for the incorporated system with managers claiming it gives better competition for younger players, allowing them to play in front of larger crowds and play against older, more experienced players. Feyenoord of the Netherlands are currently experiencing financial problems and it has been claimed by their chairman that the club could fold and take the license of Excelsior who had acted as a farm club in the past. This would be similar to CD Málaga reforming through its reserve side CF Málaga. Although this in itself has its critics with claims of clubs bending the rules.
Read more about this topic: Reserve Team
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