Boston United boss Craig Elliott welcomes 'long overdue' introduction of concussion subs

New initiative to begin next weekend...
Craig Elliott. Photo: Oliver AtkinCraig Elliott. Photo: Oliver Atkin
Craig Elliott. Photo: Oliver Atkin

Boston United boss Craig Elliott has welcomed the introduction of concussion subs, calling the move 'long overdue'.

From Saturday, clubs in the Premier League, Women's Super League, Women's Championship and FA Cup will be trialing the new initiative.

Both sides in each game will have two such replacements available, as well as being allowed to make their three regular changes.

"Without a doubt, it's long overdue," said Elliott, who saw both Jake Wright and Alex Penny suffer head injuries while playing for United last season.

"I think it's a sensible decision and one that should have happened a lot sooner, to be honest.

"Fingers crossed it moves down the pyramid and comes to our level.

"It's not something that happens too often, but when it does it's a scary moment for the player and everybody involved.

"The most sensible thing is to be able to use a substitute."

Elliott also believes the move would take pressure of medical teams who may be under pressure to give players the benefit of the doubt and allow them to continue playing.

"There's a lot of responsibility on (sports therapists) and repercussions come back on them as well, so I think they will welcome it as well," Elliott added.

While the Pilgrims boss may be in favour of concussion subs, he doesn't like the idea of clubs using five substitutes in a match - currently going ahead in the Football League - being brought to non-league, even in a campaign where more players appear to be picking up muscle injuries due to the stop-start nature of the season.

He added: "If I'm being honest, I'm not a big fan of the five sub rule.

"I think it becomes a bit of a farce. I think, as well, it makes the bigger teams stronger as they have a stronger bench as well.

"That could easily influence a game. I just think, leave football alone to a certain extent.

"If top's playing bottom and they can bring on five players it makes it harder for the team at the bottom to get a result. I like football as it is."

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