Altrincham FC fans have reacted with concern to the new National League Cup calling it a 'distraction'.

Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson, meanwhile, described it as “additional games that probably nobody wants” - and expressed concerns about his squad’s increased workload.

The new 32-team competition, which begins next week, will see 16 first teams from the National League compete against 16 under-21 teams from Premier League 2.

And while Parkinson can see some benefits, he fears the further pressure to an already intense fixture calendar will come “at a cost”.

Parkinson said: “It is additional games that probably nobody wants.

“There will inevitably be a cost to us and other teams physically - losing players through playing more.

“The benefits are there: you get to pit yourselves against some of the best up-and-coming talent in the country.

“We’ll embrace it, we’ll roll with it and I'm sure there will be good occasions.

“But I think it'll be at a cost.”

The competition’s groups stage is divided into four regions, each featuring eight teams – four from the National League and four Premier League 2 sides – and all matches will be held at National League stadiums.

The group matches will only pit the National League sides against Premier League 2 opposition – clubs from the same league won’t play each other again in the initial stage.

Altrincham already play 46 games in the National League squad, enter the FA Cup in the final qualifying, play up to six games in the FA Trophy, and up to five games in the Cheshire Senior Cup.

Altrincham fans added to Parkinson’s concerns.

Dave Jennings, 58, said: “We play enough matches in this league. It’s not going to be that competitive because players are going to be watching out for injuries.”

Peter Higson, 57, said: “It will have a massive impact, it’s a distraction we don’t need.”

And hostilities towards the National League Cup will likely affect potential attendances. Altrincham are yet to announce ticket prices for the cup.

Jennings, 58, said: “I have no interest in watching those teams.”

Bob McPartland, 67, said: “I can’t see the fans getting behind it unless they reduce the ticket prices drastically.”

But some supporters were more open-minded about the benefits of a cup run.

Stuart Attwood, 62 said: “If you get close to winning the trophy, then I’ll get a bit more interested.”

FC United of Manchester also issued a statement hitting out at the National League for the formation of the new cup.

Altrincham will host the under-21s of Blackburn Rovers, Manchester United, Stoke City, and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Their campaign begins on October 8 against Blackburn.