Blackpool boss Neil Critchley backs extra substitutions in League One

On returning from lockdown, clubs in the top flight were allowed to make an extra two changes to reduce the likelihood of injuries.

While Premier League sides have since returned to the traditional three-sub rule, there have been calls from the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to change back to five.

It follows a number of high-profile injuries to such players as Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Nathan Ake – something attributed to the hectic schedule.

It’s also been reported in recent days the Championship is considering implementing the five-sub rule.

Critchley, who has been without a host of injured players in recent weeks, believes this should be considered for League One.

The Pool head coach said: “I’ve really enjoyed the busy schedule personally, particularly in the last few weeks.

“It’s a challenge – there’s always something to solve, always something to think about, so it’s a real test but it’s an enjoyable test.

“I can’t fault the spirit and the effort of the players and their attitude, how they train and how they work. The players are a really good bunch to work with.

“Their character has been tested but I think we’ve stood up to that so far.

“After the game in the EFL Trophy we have a nine-day break, but then as soon as we hit the Peterborough game (on Saturday) we have midweek games right up until Christmas and beyond.

“I know the Premier League are calling for five subs – maybe we should have seven!

“Personally, I think it’s a good idea to have five subs. I know the argument in the Premier League is that it gives the ‘big six’ an unfair advantage but I think it’s about doing the right thing for the players.

“If that looks after the health of the players – which means they can rest and recover, and you suffer less injuries as a result – then surely that has to be a good thing right across the board.

“The game we’re playing at the moment is different from the game we were playing six months ago because of the circumstances.

“No-one was disappointed with three subs before and bringing on four or five looks strange.

“People sometimes don’t like change and under normal circumstances I’d like to keep it the same, but in the times we live in I think you have to be open-minded about certain rule changes that would be in favour of the players.

“This would favour the players. This would help them in what are really difficult circumstances.”

Blackpool slipped to 15th in League One as a result of their inactive weekend and could drop a further place if Swindon Town win their game in hand against Accrington Stanley this evening.