Ben wants nine subs
CHARLTON Athletic boss Ben Garner says he would like to be able to name the same number of players on the bench as Premier League clubs ahead of Saturday’s clash with Derby County at The Valley.
League One clubs are allowed to name up to seven substitutes and make five substitutions, while the Premier League allow a total of nine substitutes to be named on the bench.
Garner said: “If you’re going to have the five I’d rather have nine on the bench. You’ve got more options then.
“The five from seven is hard, because one is always going to be a goalkeeper, so that only gives you six and you’re going to use five of them, potentially. It stops the game a little bit more, because there is more opportunity for stoppages.
“It probably wouldn’t have been my choice to do it the way it’s been done but it is what it is and we’ll make the best of it and get on with it.”
The new rule also means that each club are only permitted a
maximum of three opportunities to make substitutions during the game.
“The big thing now is changes on set-pieces, with more players that can come on and off,” Garner added. “Your set-up at set-pieces can change the dynamic of the game.
“It’s going to be interesting this season and I think the teams that adapt best to it will benefit more.” ■■A group of United States-based investors have bought a 20% stake in League One club Plymouth Argyle.
The £4m investment from Argyle Green, LLC will see Florida-based businessman Michael Mincberg become a director.
The investment comes after talks for almost a year between Argyle chairman and majority shareholder Simon Hallett and the new investors.
Hallett and existing minority shareholder Richard Holliday have diluted their stake in the club.
Among the 12 individuals and three organisations that make up Argyle Green is four-time NHL All Star and two-time Stanley Cup-winning ice hockey player Victor Hedman.
“This investment comes at an opportune moment for the club, with Argyle seeking further to improve its facilities, and with investment required to fund those aims,” a club statement said.