Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has called on the SPFL to follow the lead seat by UEFA and continue to allow an increased number of substitutions in games after reverting back to three for this season.
After clubs were allowed to make up to five changes from nine substitutes last season, the SPFL have returned to the pre-Covid format of three changes from seven subs and the Rangers boss isn’t a fan.
Gerrard confessed that he understands why the SPFL have gone back to the old system but would prefer to see the league remain in line with competitions like the Champions League and allow additional changes in games.
“Over the course of the season, we’re hopefully going to play 60 games, if it’s a successful season,” Gerrard told Rangers TV.
“So everyone needs to be ready. It was tough today, leaving people out of the 18.
“I think the rule needs to change.
“I understand why it has to be three subs but I think it needs to be more options from the bench like it is in the Champions League.
“But I don’t make the rules around here.”
Gerrard used all three of his subs yesterday, bring Scott Wright, John Lundstram and Kemar Roofe into the fray – with two of the three getting on the scoresheet.
With the Light Blues in Champions League action on Tuesday night, the Rangers boss will have to reshuffle his side a little thanks to suspensions and injury.
While it seems unlikely that the SPFL will make changes any time soon, it will be interesting to see how other managers in the Premiership feel about it.
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