Moyes Cries For Reversal To Five-Substitutions In Premier League
West Ham United manager David Moyes says he has had a change of heart and would back the Premier League to adopt a five-substitutions rule.
Premier League clubs agreed to allow up to five substitutions after the 2019/2020 season resumed in June following the coronavirus pandemic.
A reversal to the original three substitutions rule was voted for by majority of the clubs for the 2020/2021 season as many opined that the five substitutions favoured the big clubs with greater squad depth.
While most leagues around Europe and UEFA have adopted five substitutions for their competitions, the Premier League are stuck on three and as injuries mount up at this early stage of the campaign, Moyes, who originally backed three substitutions is crying for a reversal.
The Hammers have had their fair share of injury problems as key man Michail Antonio is set to miss this weekend’s game against Fulham with a hamstring problem.
“I made the point after the game on Saturday that we felt five subs were always suiting the clubs that have bigger squads,” Moyes told a press conference.
“I recommended to our board to vote for three subs and not more but I have to say my mind has changed now because of player welfare.
"I really didn't expect so many injuries. No parties have been willing to give anything up in terms of competitions or matches.
"So, while I still think it benefits bigger squads and clubs with bigger budgets, I would consider the change back."
