Could big EFL rule change benefit tight-knit Sheffield Wednesday on League One return?
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Rules were shifted in November last year to ensure EFL clubs could used five substitutes per team per match instead of the traditional three, as long as those changes caused no more than three extra stoppages in the match.
This change was made to protect players close to burnout as the season’s fixture schedule was squeezed together by the coronavirus crisis.
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Hide AdBut now, with the fixture pile-up eased heading into the 2021/22 season, it is widely expected that the system will revert to three subs per match. It is a matter due to be discussed at the EFL’s AGM, to be staged on Thursday.
The rule may well be seen as of benefit to the Owls, who as it stands are heading into the new season with a threadbare squad after the release of 10 senior players and the impending exits of Osaze Urhoghide and Julian Borner.
Wednesday were stung several times last year when rival Championship clubs with bigger squads were able to bring more quality off the bench when it came to introducing fresh legs.
As it stands, with a transfer embargo to overcome and off-field problems clouding any potential transfer activity, it could well be that the Owls are forced to do some of the their deals later than planned.
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Hide AdThe EFL summer transfer window closes on September 2, by which time League One clubs may have played five or six matches.