A proposal to allow National League clubs to field five substitutes from a bench of six has been defeated in a vote at the league’s Annual General Meeting.
According to a report in the Non-League Paper, the motion failed despite voting being 15-9 in favour because all motions require at least 18 clubs supporting it to pass.
No details are given of which clubs voted for and against the change, which former Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll spoke about on a number of occasions during his time at Huish Park when discussing how to introduce younger players in to his first team squad.
However, Glovers’ chairman Scott Priestnall, a member of the National League board, was in attendance.
The report on the AGM also says there was “little appetite for a hard salary cap, but there is for a soft salary cap or tighter financial regulations” from clubs despite a vote 12 months ago for the move and setting up a working group.
The report adds: “The working groups will continue to explore the issues.” Watch this space for that, but maybe don’t hold your breath.
The AGM also voted Sonia Kulkarni, a non-executive advisor to the board at National League North champions Gateshead, on to the board replacing Richard Simkin of Stockport County, who were promoted to the EFL.
Gloucester City co-chairman Alex Petheram was also voted on to the board as representative for the National League North whilst Dagenham & Redbridge managing director Steve Thompson, and Richard Parsons, director at National League South side Hampton & Richmond were re-elected.
There is no mention of Priestnall in the report so, through the usual process of elimination due to silence, we assume he remains a member of the league’s board.
The first day of the 2022-23 season was confirmed as Saturday 6th August with the final day on Saturday 29th April. The National League promotion final will be played on Saturday 13th May with the venue to be confirmed.