Peterborough United update on the transfer window, fans in the stadium, the use of five substitutes, reduced squad sizes and why Darragh MacAnthony believes a salary cap is a good idea

Here, with the help of the club’s men in the know, we discuss the proposed changes and how they will affect Posh.

TRANSFER WINDOW

The next transfer window dates were revealed today (July 15).

The window will open on July 27, at the conclusion of the Premier League and Championship seasons, and will run until 11pm on October 5.

There will also be a ‘domestic only’ transfer window to October 16 when Premier League and EFL clubs will be able to trade with one another.

It had been noted that a couple of League One clubs, Crewe and Blackpool, have already signed new players for next season. They have managed this by starting the players’ new contracts on August 1 when they expected the transfer window to be open.

Posh director of football Barry Fry wanted the next transfer window to stay open until January 31 to give those clubs struggling financially a chance to raise funds by selling players.

SUBSTITUTES

It was reported this week football’s law makers are thinking of making the five substitutes’ rule, introduced for the sport’s re-start during the Covid-19 pandemic, could be made permanent.

Clubs were left with heavily congested schedules and limited time for players to regain fitness after months on the sidelines, with the move designed to prevent injury.

Leagues were given the option to introduce the measure and the Premier League and EFL both did.

Posh manager Darren Ferguson said: “I don’t have a problem with five substitutes as long as the policy is properly structured. I wouldn’t want to see all five subs used at the same time.”

SPECTATORS IN GROUNDS

The EFL this week cancelled plans to trial a small number of fans in grounds during the final round of Championship matches.

But the EFL are in talks with the UK Government re spectators being allowed into pre-season friendlies as a trial. If that trial goes well the EFL hope to have grounds operating at 25% capacity when the season opens, probably on September 12.

Securing the return of supporters is vital to the economic well-being of lower division clubs where matchday receipts contribute more than a third of revenue for some clubs.

Posh support the EFL on this and, in the event of a reduced capacity, will give priority access to those who have purchased season tickets for the 2020-21 campaign.

SALARY CAPS

A £2.5 million salary cap for League One caps is under serious consideration for next season.

Portsmouth have already voiced their opposition to such a move which won’t favour those clubs who draw the biggest attendances.

Posh are relaxed about the proposal as salaries of under 21 players are not included in the capped figure and the club have 10 youngsters in their first-team squad.

Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony said: “Im good with the salary cap as the majority of League One and Two clubs couldn’t find a few hundred grand to finish 23% of a season. That tells me salary caps are needed.”

SQUAD SIZES

There is talk of squad sizes being restricted to 20-22 players, but as these figures won’t take into account young players Posh are relaxed about the possibility as they have 10 players in their first-team squad aged under 21.