EFL highlights presenter Colin Murray says there are a lot of positives to be taken from the Checkatrade Trophy this season.
The Northern Irishman was a guest at last month’s Fan Forum at Wembley, and believes Clubs benefit more from the competition’s current format.
He said: “I think there are pros and cons to the tournament and you can’t please everybody, but for me there are a lot of pros to it.
“Some fans say they are not happy with certain parts but are happy with other parts which are slightly better.
“From my point of view, I think it is important that Clubs don’t lose money when they go out in Round One - which was happening in the old format.
Arguably the biggest fixture of Round Three will see Sunderland take on Newcastle U21s at the Stadium of Light, and Murray says he only has good things to say about the Black Cats.
“Jack Ross said that they’re in the competition and they want to win it, and they are treating it with a lot of respect,” he added.
“I have only good things to say about Sunderland this season, I think the manager has brought a sense of realism to the club through his management.
“I think he’s got a spirit back at the club, they have new heroes now - such as Chris Maguire - to get them back up there.”