Premier League approves 7 substitutes
Thursday, 07 February 08, 08:29 PM · Comments(4)
The English Premier League has finally agree to increase the allowed number of substitutes by 2, to 7, brining the Premiership in line with the Champions League, Serie A, La Liga and almost all other major European leagues. Note that the number of substitutions will remain the same of course - 3.
For the longest time the top tier of English football allowed only 5 substitutes to be named (previously it was only 3), and although many managers and clubs had been lobbying for change, the league had stubbornly resisted. It was seen as the continental/foreign influence trying to infect the British game, and of course the holy "virtues" had to be upheld.
In any case, people have now seen sense. Especially at a time when the FA is complaining about the lack of opportunities for youngsters, those two extra spots on the bench are invaluable for them. The backing for the proposal was quite overwhelming from all the clubs in the league, and unlike 3 or 4 years ago, even the mid-table clubs now have fairly large squads, and all players need playing time.
We can now look forward to a (slightly) improved, perhaps more competitive and tactical Premier League from next season onwards. I'm sure Rafa Benitez will be delighted.
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4 Comments · Add yours
Mourinho should be happy. Whoops he's gone.
Makes sense given the size of most squads nowadays. But wonder if we'll see some of the more threadbare teams struggle to fill the bench?
Well, at least that will mean more chances for the young players.
I hope this encourages more teams to give time to their youth players. I also hope the FA imposes rules on the number of foreign players a team can have for the same reason.