Birmingham City reserves boss Malky Thomson has explained why he's pulled the reserve-team out of next season's competition.

Club officials have instead decided it will be more beneficial to set their own behind-closed-doors matches and occasional second-string games at either Solihull Moors' Damson Park or St Andrew's.

"This is about being bespoke, having a plan that works best for Birmingham City with regards to supporting the manager, Alex McLeish," Thomson told the Birmingham Mail.

"We are trying to develop players that will be available for the manager to choose from for first-team fixtures.

"First and foremost our aim is to keep those first-team players who haven't played on a Saturday fit but we are also extremely keen to give our up-and-coming younger players the best possible platform to impress and push on too.

"Playing alongside senior players at a venue of our choice and at a more appropriate time can only be of benefit.

"Having to travel to London, or sometimes even further, on a weekday night is not only far from ideal but with the manager's busy schedule it's also often difficult for him to take in reserve games. Under this system the players looking to catch Alex's eye will be able to."