CITY did not vote in the decision to retain the Checkatrade Trophy in its same format.

Lower-league clubs were asked for their opinions on whether to persist with the competition in its present guise or consider alternatives.

The Bantams did not take part in this week’s ballot as they focus on preparing for the play-off final.

With the preparations for Wembley well underway, the club did not have the time to sit down and discuss the issue.

But two-thirds of those who did cast a vote were in favour of continuing this year’s trial. That means academy sides from the top flight will again be involved for the next two seasons.

On the plus side, at least the selection policy has been relaxed – City were fined last season for going against the “integrity” of the competition after swapping goalkeepers just three minutes into a game.

Ties will also be regionalised until the quarter-final stage, two rounds further than before.

During January, City spent three successive Tuesdays on the road to Cheltenham and Oxford twice.