Levy happy with rule change

Seven the magic number for Levy

Last updated: 7th February 2008

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Levy: Delighted with rule change

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Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has welcomed the Premier League's decision to allow all clubs to name seven substitutes in matches next season.

Spurs put the idea forward of expanding the number of substitutes to seven from five and the proposal was approved by a majority vote of the 20 Premier League clubs.

Levy was delighted the rule change had been approved and thinks it can only benefit players and clubs.

"It is very important for the league and for all the clubs and it something we have worked on for the last 12 months now," Levy told Sky Sports News.

Change

"No one likes change and this is something we quietly, behind the scenes spoke to all the other clubs and over a period of time momentum built up and I am pleased that it went through today.

"Obviously what it means is that there will be seven subs instead of five for next season.

"For a manager's viewpoint it means he has more tactical options and I would like to think it would give a greater chance to some of the academy boys to get onto the bench and hopefully get the chance to become first-team players.

"I think from a player's viewpoint when you have a squad of 20-25 players, plus all the youngsters it gives them the opportunity that they have more chance of sitting on the bench."

Levy also rejected claims that the rule amendment will benefit the top clubs the most.

"To be honest that can be an argument," added Levy. "In reality all clubs have a squad of 20-25 players, bigger clubs may have more youth players as well as first-team players so there may be some influence in terms of average age that is sitting on the bench, but other than that I think all clubs will benefit."