Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer has admitted that he wasn’t in favour of the new five-sub ruling in the EFL.

A tough schedule is meeting clubs up and down the EFL, with injuries spiking due to the intense nature of the fixture list.

Now, the EFL has reverted to the rule that clubs can make five changes instead of three, just as things were during the run-in last season after the extended postponement of football.

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It’s seen as a positive step for most EFL managers, but Bowyer has admitted that he was against it in an interview with Sky Sports.

Bowyer said: “It’s only going to make things easier because you can take people off and use them in the right way, but I am one of those that wanted to keep to the three.

“I voted for that because I don’t want the game to change too much. But in these crazy times with the crazy amount of games we are trying to fit into a small period of time, it does make sense.”

Charlton drew 1-1 with Gillingham on Saturday afternoon, with Bowyer leaning heavily on his bench.

The Addicks trailed to Jordan Graham’s penalty, but Chuks Aneke scored on 82 minutes to secure a point for Bowyer.

Three changes came around the 66^th minute, including the introduction of Paul Smyth and Aneke, who combined for the winning goal. Bowyer made four changes in total.

The Verdict

Bowyer is a very open and honest manager, with that continuing here.

He admits he doesn’t want the rule, but (as we have massively come to expect) there is no moaning and he is adapting to the rules.

It worked for him on Saturday, with a triple change not as risky as it might have been under the former rules.

Thoughts? Let us know!