The prospect of including Premier League B teams in the English football pyramid has been categorically ruled out by the EFL after consulting with clubs.

It was a deeply unpopular idea with supporters across the country when announced as a possiblity when the EFL put forward proposals as part of the Whole Game Solution.

Oxford United chairman Darryl Eales was also against the suggestion, echoing the sentiment from supporters' trust OxVox.

And following a meeting with clubs today, the EFL have announced it is off the table.

A statement read: "Following a meeting of its clubs on Thursday, the EFL confirmed that the inclusion of Premier League B Teams, clubs from non-English leagues or those outside the English football pyramid will not form part of any ongoing discussions for the ‘Whole Game Solution’."

United were among those against the proposal.

Greig Box Turnbull, the club's managing director, said: "As we have stated before we are always keen to look at ways of safeguarding the future of football in this country, and will always listen to new ideas and proposals.

"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." 

Many saw the introduction of Category One academy sides to the revamped Checkatrade Trophy as the first step towards having B teams in the league system.

The competition has seen low turnouts for the games so far, with only 1,575 watching United's 4-2 win against Exeter City last month - the third lowest gate for a competitive first-team game at the Kassam Stadium.

Chelsea's academy team are in United's group and will host Michael Appleton's side in November.

Discussions continue over the other elements of the Whole Game Solution, which will be voted on at the EFL's AGM in June 2017.

They include regionalisation, the number of teams per division, divisional restructure and a winter break.

But today's news means if the league system is expanded, the extra teams will come from the National League.

Shaun Harvey, the EFL's chief executive, said: “At the very outset of this process it was made clear that any decisions in respect of the future direction of the Whole Game Solution would be taken by clubs themselves and our announcement today comes as a result of their valued input.

"I am extremely grateful for their candour and support during the first part of this consultation that will ultimately help shape a final proposal for voting on in June next year.

“The logical place for many was to source the additional teams for League Three from the National League but we felt it important that the debate was introduced at an early stage and an opportunity was provided for all Club owners’ and executives’ to voice any opinions and, where applicable, table concerns.

"We will now continue our consultation with the National League with a little more certainty as to what any change could mean for them.

"These conversations will include the FA in their capacity as the Governing Body not a competition organiser.

“In addition, our dialogue will continue with the Premier League as we focus on ensuring we achieve our specific and primary objective of improving distributable revenue to our clubs and reaching a format that benefits the EFL, its competitions and the wider professional game.

“The next round of consultation will also see us undertake some work with fan groups and other stakeholders to ensure that those people who are invested in the future our game are given an opportunity to register their views.”