Newcastle United's academy side will compete in a revamped edition of Premier League 2 next season with the introduction of a 'Swiss model'. The young Magpies finished eighth in Division 2 following a disappointing campaign, which saw Ben Dawson appointed as Elliot Dickman's replacement in January.
However, the two-tier system which included promotion and relegation has now been scrapped in favour of all 25 'Category One' academies competing in a single league. Clubs will be seeded in five pots based on their respective performances over the past three seasons, with results from the 20-match campaign contributing to a combined table to determine play-off positions.
The top 16 teams will go on to qualify for a single elimination knockout competition. The 'Swiss model' means Newcastle will not play all 24 of their rivals, with United set to play every team in their own pot plus four or five clubs from all other pots, either home or away.
The model is similar to the new format of the Champions League that will be introduced for the 2024/25 season, to accomodate the expansion of the competition to 36 teams. The changes to the Premier League 2 calendar are said to have been voted through by shareholders at the Premier League Annual General Meeting last week.
READ MORE: Newcastle United closing in on Sandro Tonali deal with midfielder on standby at Italy U21 Euro base
An extensive review of the division's Player Development Pathway (PDP) competitions took on board a range of recommendations on how to forge a stronger pathway from academy football into first-team squads. The removal of promotions and relegations will support Newcastle and their rivals in making 'development-first' decisions, while also minimising the impact on future players.
The opportunity to play against a greater variety of opponents is also seen as an improvement, while opening up the number of play-off spots with the top 12 also entering the Premier League International Cup. Fixtures for the 2023-24 Premier League 2 campaign are due to be released next month.
Dawson's side await their league schedule, but now know their opponents in the EFL Trophy following the draw on Thursday morning. The young Magpies will face off against Crewe Alexandra, Port Vale and Wrexham in Northern Section Group B.
Newcastle look set to bolster their academy ranks once again in addition to Eddie Howe's pledge to bring in 'elite' signings at senior level. Charlie McArthur, Alex Murphy, and Jude Smith were among the youth transfers last summer, while the Magpies have already brought in Yankuba Minteh in the current window, with the 18-year-old already on loan at Feyenoord.
