STEVE YATES has played at Wembley because of the lower-division knockout now sponsored by LDV.
But the experienced centre-back still has grave reservations about the value of the competition as a whole.
Yates, 34, was an emerging young professional at Bristol Rovers when they lost 2-1 to Tranmere in what was then the Leyland DAF Trophy competition.
That was back in 1990 and he was grateful for the chance to play beneath the twin towers, but he has always had question marks about how the competition slots into the League calendar.
"I'm not sure it's really required," said Yates, who got a welcome rest on the bench for Town's first-round assignment against Morecambe in midweek.
"The Premiership players are always moaning about how many games they play and yet, if you discount those who are in Europe, we play a lot more matches.
"It's obviously great if you get through to the final and can play at Wembley or the Millennium Stadium, but I'm not sure about the whole thing."
Town attracted a crowd of 3,831, the biggest of the first round, against Conference side Morecambe when they fielded a weakened side.
"I don't think too many people take it seriously - certainly not in the early rounds," added Yates.
"You have always tended to get one man and his dog for the early rounds or group matches and it's not until you get to the regional semi-finals and regional finals that you attract the bigger crowds."
