'We need more subs now' Says Gulls Boss Johnson.

NATIONAL LEAGUE clubs should join the EFL in having five subs available as soon as possible in light of the new refereeing guidelines which are putting players under increased pressures, says Torquay United manager Gary Johnson. (From Dave Thomas)

The NL currently allows only five substitutes named and three used, two less than the Football League, after a vote last year prompted by some clubs opting for smaller squads. But Johnson argues that new instructions to referees, encouraging longer stoppage-time and more ‘play on’ after less serious fouls, are already leading to more injuries. The referee at United’s 2-1 victory over Chippenham Town on Tuesday night added a total of 14 minutes, the Gulls scoring their winner in the 93rd minute.

“We want the game to flow more – we’re all up for that,” said Johnson. “The extra stoppage-time is something we’ve got to get used to, and I think the referees are getting used to the new rules as well".

“But if player welfare has always been foremost in people’s minds, which they tell us it is, someone has got to look after it".

“It’s the extra time that’s going to see more cramp, hamstring and calf injuries, and something needs to be done about it pretty quick". “If the National League voted again on whether we should have five subs or seven, I’m sure everybody would vote for it (7) now".

“A lot of clubs are getting a lot of injuries due to the extra time and the different version of the tackle laws". "And it’s going to be worse if their best players are getting injured.”

Johnson reported that his own defender Dean Moxey had to stay on the pitch, despite being injured, in the closing stages of Torquay’s 3-0 defeat by Worthing last weekend because three subs had already been used by the manager. Moxey then missed the Chippenham game three days later.

As well as longer-term absentee Kevin Dawson (hamstring), skipper Asa Hall is also definitely out of this Saturday’s match at St Alban’s City with an ankle ligament injury sustained early in the Chippenham game.