Fulham are pulling their Development squad out of the Premiership's reserves comp.

In a statement on the club's website, Fulham explained:

"Next season FFC will deliver a programme for the Club's 18-21 year-old players, including competitive football, loans to other clubs and occasional tournaments. All Development Squad friendly fixtures will be played behind closed doors next season.

"Whilst the Development Squad has performed admirably in the Barclays Premier Reserve League in recent years, the Club feels that a tailored Club campaign, arranged around First Team fixtures, will not only benefit Development Squad players, but will also allow Roy Hodgson greater flexibility with regard to the Premier League's new squad rules."