New EFL rules

Plymouth Argyle manager Derek Adam looks set to have stricter rules placed upon him over team selection, as the EFL aim to bring in a drastic new rule.

The rule, which is reportedly back by a number of clubs, would mean that English Football League sides would have to play a minimum number of players who had played in the previous fixture.

This would come into place from the fourth Thursday in March until the end of the season, as teams battle for promotion and against relegation.

he need for a new rule was sparked following the Championship game between Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town in April, a game which Birmingham won 2-0.

Town manager David Wagner made 10 changes to his team, who had already guaranteed themselves a place in the end of season play-offs.

Birmingham were still battling relegation and the result against Huddersfield, who won promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs, saw them a step closer to safety.

An EFL statement said: "The circumstances faced by the EFL at the end of the season in relation to the requirement for members to play full-strength sides in league matches were considered.

"The EFL is working up a policy to determine what constitutes a full-strength team to remove any further potential reputational damage to the EFL and its competitions.

"A significant number of clubs supported preliminary proposals that would require managers to include a yet to be defined number of outfield players who featured on the team sheet in the previous game.

"This requirement would take effect from the fourth Thursday in March to the conclusion of the season".

Huddersfield escaped punishment as there were no guidelines in place as to what a 'full-strength' team was.

League Two side Barnet also used the last few weeks of the 2016/17 campaign to play some of their younger players, with the team essentially having 'nothing to play for'.

A statement that went on their official website in April said: "As we head towards the end of the season we are still very much focused on winning our remaining 6 matches, but the Head of Football and coaching staff are already beginning to plan for next season as well.

"Part of that preparation will see a number of our young players get their chance to shine in our first team squad over the next few weeks.

"The club sees this as an excellent window of opportunity for our younger players to gain valuable first team experience and playing time.

"We believe that our future success lies with our talented younger players and hope that you will get behind them and give them your support as they prepare to step up and lay the foundations of excellence for this exceptional football club.