Thanks to a submission by Derby County, the Football league has agreed all clubs can now name seven substitutes on their team sheets starting from the 09/10 season.

The Rams picked up the submission originally tabled by Birmingham City who could no longer champion the change after their promotion to the Premier League.

Approval was granted at the annual meeting of the Football League in Portugal and because Derby County had been a supporter of the original Birmingham submission, Rams chairman Adam Pearson agreed to table the proposal instead.

Premier League sides already had the advantage of a 7 substitute system, as do clubs competing in cup competitions. Teams will still only be able to use 3 of their 7 substitutes but the decision brings all leagues and competitions into line with each other. There may also be an advantage for some players who may have previously been on the outer, giving them a slightly better chance of first team action.

A spokesman for the Rams spoke to the media shortly afterwards about the clubs involvement:

"We thought it was an idea that deserved further discussions, so we agreed to take it on,".

"As a club with a lot of up-and-coming young players, this new rule might give some of them the chance to gain some first-team experience."

At the same meeting Football League clubs voted to introduce new financial regulations regarding tax payments, meaning clubs will be banned from signing players until any debts are cleared. The new initiatives were introduced in an attempt to ensure employee payments to HM Revenue and Customs are made as the League makes its clubs more accountable financially.

Now we would like to hear what you think of the new substitute ruling?

Is it beneficial? A great new initiative? Or just another new rule that adds nothing for clubs except maybe the need for a longer bench!?

Tell us what you think in the RamZone forum!

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