David Wagner brings his Norwich City side to St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park to face Birmingham City on the final day of the season
David Wagner, Norwich City’s manager, had previously been involved in a Birmingham City relegation struggle.
In 2017, the German was the manager of Huddersfield Town, who were defeated 2-0 by 10-man Blues in the penultimate game. The victory placed the Blues on course for survival on the last day of the 2016/17 season against Bristol City.
However, Wagner got into trouble with the EFL after making ten changes to his starting lineup. Wagner chose to rest players with Huddersfield’s playoff spot already assured.
The EFL had extensive talks but found no reason to sanction Wagner or Huddersfield because its rules did not clarify what a ‘full strength team’ was. The rules specify that “Each club shall play its full strength team in all matches played under the auspices of The League, unless a satisfactory reason is given.” If the explanation is not deemed adequate, the Board will submit the case to a Disciplinary Commission, which has the authority to impose any punishment it deems appropriate.”
That game paved the way for the EFL to amend its rules. The rule has been amended to read: “For any league match played on or after the fourth Thursday in March, any team sheet for a league game should include at least 10 outfield players who featured on the team sheet for the league match before.”
Because teams can now utilise nine substitutes, the regulation change will not restrict Wagner from making significant adjustments. He could change the majority of his starting lineup as long as the roster includes the ten outfield players that played against Swansea City the previous time out.
