The Board of The Football League has ruled that Luton Town's relegation to the Blue Square Premier will prevent the Hatters from defending the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in this season's competition. The winners of the cup competition for clubs in Leagues 1 and 2 of The Football League had made a special application to the Board asking for permission to take part following their dramatic 3-2 victory over Scunthorpe United in April's Final.
The Football League's Head of Communications, John Nagle, explained: "Luton Town's application to play in the 2009/10 Johnstone's Paint Trophy has been turned down by the Board following detailed consideration.
"Whilst, the Board acknowledges that this particular set of circumstances is likely to happen very rarely, it would set a precedent for winning clubs that are no longer in Leagues 1 or 2 to take part in the competition in the following season.
"It is reasonably likely that a future winner will also gain promotion to the Championship in the same season and in the Board's view this competition should remain the exclusive domain of League 1 and 2 clubs."
The 2009/10 Johnstone's Paint Trophy will kick-off in the week commencing August 31.
http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/J ... 80,00.html
Correct me if I'm wrong, but haven't non league teams competed before?