Town chairman David Sheepshanks has called for a ruling to help increase the number of English players currently playing in the Premiership to improve the national side's chances of competing at the top level.

Sheepshanks said: "[I'd like a] home-grown player rule to be introduced in England to give future England managers and teams a better chance.

"A bigger pool of English players experienced at Premiership level can surely be achieved without damaging the mass appeal of the Premier League.

The Town chairman also says that the FA should now build the shelved National Football Centre, although not necessarily at the previously planned site at Burton.

Sheepshanks says football in this country is now a position where the £60 million centre is necessary, despite previously opposing the venture: “I voted against the previous Burton proposal from the FA board on the basis of economics, risk and lack of control, but not against the concept. Conditions are now different. Wembley is built and economic risk is diminished.

"Irrespective of the fact that many clubs, including ourselves, have excellent academies, I believe the country needs an 'Institute of Football Excellence' that can be a focal point of reference for the nation, not just the best clubs. Somewhere that we can domicile research and development into technical, physical and all elements of sports science that will be available to all – international team, clubs, grass-roots and schools.”

Meanwhile, four Colchester United fans have received banning orders for incidents at the recent Town-U's game at Portman Road.

Amongst them was Kevin McCain, 42, the supporter who ran onto the pitch from the Colchester section towards the end of the match. He was also fined £600, ordered to pay £65 in costs as well as a victim surcharge of £15.

Elsewhere, former Blue Jason Dozzell has left his position as manager of Ridgeons League side Leiston, apparently by mutual consent.

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