EFL rule change to allow League Two clubs to make five subs

The game's law-making body, the International Football Association Board, announced in July that the five substitutes rule would be extended into 2020-21.

It remains up to individual competitions whether or not they increased from three and the EFL has given the green light.

That means that County boss Flynn – who has hailed competition for places as being key to the leaders’ flying start to the season – can now use more of his 18-man matchday squads.

The change has been made because the coronavirus pandemic has led to a hectic, condensed schedule in 2020/21, with managers fearing that the workload could lead to more injuries.

League One and Two clubs will continue to name seven subs while those in the Championship can have 20-man matchday squads.

A statement from the EFL read: "Following consultation with clubs, the EFL board has agreed to increase the permitted number of substitutes to five in all Sky Bet EFL fixtures taking place from 12 noon on Friday 20 November for the remainder of the 2020/21 season.

"Regulation 33.4 has been amended to permit Championship clubs to name up to nine substitutes in their matchday squad, with five permitted to take to the pitch in any fixture.

"League One and League Two clubs can name up to seven substitutes in their match day squad, again with five permitted to take to the pitch."

The Exiles return to action on Saturday when they entertain Port Vale, the first of a hat-trick of Rodney Parade fixtures with Walsall visiting on Tuesday before the clash with Salford in round two of the FA Cup.