24 Jun 2009Southend United manager criticises new substitute ruling

Football Clubs News | Football Leagues/ Association and Governance | Other Football News

Southend United manager Steve Tilson has labelled the decision to change the number of substitutes named at league matches as "absolutely crazy".

Speaking to BBC Essex, Tilson has criticised the ruling as he feels that it will not be much of a help to teams in the Football League.

The league has decided to raise the number of substitutes in a matchday squad for the 2009/10 season to seven from five, although only three of these will still be allowed to become involved in a game.

Tilson told the radio station: "It's not really helping anyone. I don't understand why they've done it. If five subs aren't enough there's something wrong.

"Times are hard for every business and football is no different, so clubs are having smaller squads. If you can't bring three subs out of five then there's something wrong, so for me I don't see any point in it."

Meanwhile, Southend United recently took steps to improve their Roots Hall football stadium by having the pitch completely relayed, with the top layer of the surface removed and new seeds planted.

Written by Terry Mitchell

© Copyright