Clubs in the Football League introduced a home grown players rule at an EGM at Derby's Pride Park earlier today. From the start of next season, at least four players from a club's 16-man match day squad should have been registered domestically for a minimum of three seasons, regardless of nationality, prior to their 21st birthday.

Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney welcomed the clubs agreeing to the Football League board's proposal: "I would like to compliment Football League clubs for having the foresight to make changes that will benefit the wider game.

"League clubs are at the forefront of developing young playing talent for the domestic game and are investing more than £40 million a season in this important area.

"As a result of today's vote, those players being developed will have a greater chance to demonstrate their talent at first team level."

A player is considered 'home grown' under the new rule if he has been registered for three entire seasons (or 36 months) before his 21st birthday or the end of season in which he turned 21 with a club which is affiliated to the Football Association or Football Association of Wales.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls