The limiting of squads to 25 players over 21 years-of-age of which 10 should be homegrown is the most significant development to come out of this week’s Football League AGM held in Malta. Town were represented by chief executive Simon Clegg.

The new rules for next season restrict first team squads to 25 players over 21, 10 of whom must be homegrown, by which the League means players registered in domestic football for three seasons prior to their 21st birthday. Players under 21 face no restriction.

New financial reporting rules have also been implemented, which will see clubs who fail to lodge their accounts with the League at the same time as they are legally required by Companies House given a transfer embargo. The rules regarding administration have also been amended so that they are effective in situations where clubs are part of a group company.

Proposals by Leyton Orient which would have seen the punishment for clubs going into administration increased from the current 10 points to mandatory relegation by two divisions were voted down. However, the Football League board will review the penalties regarding administration with a view to potentially strengthening them.

The Football League's Fit and Proper Persons Test is to be rename the Directors’ Test, as it is known elsewhere in football.

Photo: Action Images

deliadreamsofitfc added 09:43 - Jun 9 Why on earth go to Malta, have they heard of a cash problem at football clubs!
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Mungo added 09:43 - Jun 9 This sounds a tad complicated and will get some getting used to. I wonder what the penalties are for fielding a player in breach of these rules?
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heavenlyblue added 09:52 - Jun 9 What does 'domestic' mean, as in 'registered in domestic football'? Does that include Scotland, Wales, N Ireland and Republic of Ireland? Or just England?
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51blue added 10:09 - Jun 9 So is this why we gave all of last years yoofs pro contracts, for commercial reasons rather than for footballing?
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YousBeTrollin added 10:36 - Jun 9 Sounds like how it works in Spain, although we're more fortunate as in Spain all players over 19 have to be registered to be able to play first team football, whereas we have it as over 21's, meaning that Wickham, O'Connor (for the most part of the season), Brown, ect. can all play without being registered, meaning it leaves valuable numbers open for fringe players and cover. If it's the same as it is in Spain, then it would mean that cup competitions would be unaffected by this and managers can pick anyone to play, but I ain't too sure. Does anyone know if we get 2 registration windows (i.e one from july to september and one to December to February)?

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generalpublic added 11:56 - Jun 9 could also bring in a domestic manager ruling would do wonders for the leagues
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old_and_blue added 12:13 - Jun 9 B'dy good idea, as long as it's applied to everyone, what's the downside? OK, it may prevent the mafia backed clubs from buying in a euro championship side, but that's hardly a downside is it? Hopefully it'll mean better opportunities for home grown players, lower wages and lower gate prices.. Goodbye to the London African Francophones(Arsenal) and of course Chealski... yippie!!!

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Manic_Blue added 13:08 - Jun 9 Registered for three years doesn't mean much - if they've signed to a club in England on or before their 18th birthday, they'll pass the test. It's a step in the right direction, but a very small one.
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arc added 13:15 - Jun 9 Ach, balls, there goes the master plan to re-sign Finidi George, Amir Karic and Adrian Paz.
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Scuzzer added 14:15 - Jun 9 So where does this leave Town next season...has it any effect on us?
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superblues9 added 14:46 - Jun 9 Yea y was it in Malta !
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jamie22 added 15:11 - Jun 9 We don't have ten players over 21 who have been at the club for three years, or have I misunderstood!?
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tom_the_blue added 18:03 - Jun 9 I think its 3 years at any club in England whilst under-21, which would mean players like Quinn would count. I think this is a very good thing for English football, though it probably wont affect us.
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Manic_Blue added 18:45 - Jun 9 Of last year's squad, I make it 7 who would not count as 'home-grown' - Delaney, McAuley, Counago, Civelli, Balkestein, Priskin and C Healy. So won't really affect us.
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Notts_tractor added 18:45 - Jun 9 Typical insensitivity for these suits to go off on a jolly to Malta for their AGM. What would Bob Lord have made of it?
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