FOOTBALL League clubs have voted in favour of the reintroduction of seven substitutes from next season.

Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas confirmed that the U’s were one of the clubs who backed the proposal, which sees the strength of the bench return to seven from five.

Another motion to be passed was the encouraging of sportsmanship and curbing of gamesmanship.

Clubs agreed to instruct managers, coaches and players to discourage actions which bring the game’s reputation into disrepute, such as showing disrespect to match officials, diving/simulation, time wasting and feigning injury.

The League will request that referees support this initiative next season by acting more robustly against obstructing the quick taking of free-kicks and stealing ground at throw-ins.