OXFORD United have welcomed the decision by the English Football League (EFL) to remove the prospect of including Premier League B teams from restructuring talks.

The ‘Whole Game Solution’ unveiled in May set out an idea to expand the system below the top-flight to four divisions of 20 teams.

Many feared the eight-team gap created by such a plan would be filled by Premier League B teams.

But after an initial meeting with clubs yesterday to begin discussions, the deeply unpopular proposal was officially ruled out.

Teams from non-English leagues, or outside of the English football pyramid, will also not be considered, so any expansion would be filled by clubs from the National League.

United voted in favour of a revamped Checkatrade Trophy which included Category One academy sides in June, but have always been clear they opposed B teams coming into the league system.

Managing director Greig Box Turnbull said: “We respect the history and traditions of the league but also believe that debate is healthy in any organisation.

“However, the board have always been firmly against the introduction of B teams to the league, and as we have always believed, most clubs have the same thoughts as us.”

Jeremy Faulkner, chairman of U’s supporters’ trust OxVox, thanked the club for their transparency during the process.

He said: “To their credit they have been totally open about the EFL proposals and have continually invited comment from the Trust.

“We will be consulting with members as things develop and feeding back to the club the views of fans.”

Discussions continue on other measures, including regionalisation of the bottom two divisions, but it would appear the idea of a winter break is unlikely to be brought in below the Championship.

The proposals will be voted on by clubs at next summer’s AGM.