Other Games - 2017/18

[adrenachrome]

Lower-league clubs face punishment if they rest 10 or more players during matches towards the end of the season following a toughening up of rules on weakened teams.

English Football League sides on Thursday agreed a definition of what constituted a full-strength line-up after Huddersfield Town made 10 changes for their fixture at Birmingham City in the closing weeks of last term.

EFL Regulation 24 already states that clubs are required to play “full strength” teams in all matches “unless some satisfactory reason is given”.

But Huddersfield escaped punishment over their line-up in a game which followed them confirming a place in the Championship play-offs.

Birmingham won the match 2-0 and went on to avoid relegation at the expense of Blackburn Rovers, who had criticised Huddersfield’s selection.

The new policy, which comes into effect from next month, states: “For any league match played on or after the fourth Thursday in March, any team sheet for a league game should include at least 10 outfield players who featured on the team sheet for the league match before.”

The EFL added: “In the event any club breaches the threshold, they may be charged with a breach of Regulation 24 and the matter will be referred to a disciplinary commission.”

As revealed by Telegraph Sport, the 72 clubs also voted to follow the Premier League’s lead by shutting its transfer window early.

But it was a close call, with less than 58 per cent of those polled agreeing a switch that will see lower-league teams prevented from buying players from 5pm on the Thursday after the start of their season.

The timing was chosen to harmonise the closure of their window with that of the Premier League, whose clubs voted in September for a cut-off the Thursday before they kick off.

That date will fall on August 9 next season.

Thanks for that, PWS.

In truth though, managers can just tell players to "go Downing"; i.e. evade all challenges.

[PeterWithesShin]

It also depends on the punishment, is a fine of say 60K for each game a weakened side is fielded enough of a deterrent when there's a £100m prize at stake.

[TheMalandro]

It also depends on the punishment, is a fine of say 60K for each game a weakened side is fielded enough of a deterrent when there's a £100m prize at stake.

It's hard to say you are playing a weakened team if Micah, Gabby and Iron Bru are playing.
I bet that's 150k p/w.

[Meanwood Villa]

When they say teamsheet they presumably mean match day squad? Couldn't you just say they were "injured"? Incredible they've literally had to change the rules because of SHA spawning their way to safety.

[SoccerHQ]

Surprised the number is as high as 10.

6 or 7 changes can be a virtual reserve team if you have a few genuine injuries at the time.

[Damo70]

Surprised the number is as high as 10.

6 or 7 changes can be a virtual reserve team if you have a few genuine injuries at the time.

I am surprised as well. You can totally leave out/rest nine of the eighteen players who were in the previous match day playing squad. Presuming your previous starting eleven was considered to be your strongest eleven, in theory you could play seven of the subs and just four starters from your last game and fill the bench with kids/whoever you like.

[Rudy65]

This evenings games probably confirm we will finish no lower than 4th and that Blues are under pressure from Sunderland now which is good.

Had quick look at Sunderland's fixtures to see if they could do another miracle escape.

Am afraid their last two games are Fulham away and Wolves at home.

Given how well they played last night I can’t believe how bad they have been all season. Hope they survive at Blose expense

[Damo70]

This evenings games probably confirm we will finish no lower than 4th and that Blues are under pressure from Sunderland now which is good.

Had quick look at Sunderland's fixtures to see if they could do another miracle escape.

Am afraid their last two games are Fulham away and Wolves at home.

Given how well they played last night I can’t believe how bad they have been all season. Hope they survive at Blose expense

I echo the sentiments about hoping they stay up at the expense of Small Heath, but considering the season they have had I presume they will all be drug tested after last nights result.

[Damo70]

Liverpool and Rangers both losing. Great f***ing start to my betting day!

[mr underhill]

only just realized Derby played yesterday  - thought it was today. Fuck my old boots - what a monumentally agonizing game football is, a few weeks ago they were cruising in 2nd place.

[berneboy]

I feel for Benteke missing two very good chances for Crystal Palace v Liverpool. His confidence looks shot to pieces.
Come home, Christian.

[paulcomben]

I feel for Benteke missing two very good chances for Crystal Palace v Liverpool. His confidence looks shot to pieces.
Come home, Christian.

Agree. If Lerner was not an utter twat, CB would not have wasted his amazing talent by begging to go to Liverpool.

[paulcomben]

Miss your chances against the best teams and the biased referees and... Eagles fly into the age-old lesson.

[devilla]

Garth Crooks very excited by Wet Spam's goal, not sure why that would be as he never played for them. Weird.

[devilla]

Blues one up.