Why Sunderland stand to benefit from the EFL's sweeping changes - according to a rival manager

Ipswich Town boss Paul Lambert believes that Sunderland and their League One rivals will benefit from a new-look third tier – with the EFL set to make significant changes in the aftermath of the coronavirus.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The third tier campaign is expected to be ended this week, having been suspended since mid-March.

And by the time the 2020/21 campaign kicks-off, many in the game are expecting League One to look entirely different – with the EFL set to introduce sweeping changes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There have already been talks over a salary cap being introduced, while the transfer market is set to drastically change with clubs expected to prioritise producing their own players rather than buying in.

Ipswich Town manager Paul LambertIpswich Town manager Paul Lambert
Ipswich Town manager Paul Lambert

And Lambert feels that League One clubs could be set to benefit from these tweaks – particularly when it comes to player recruitment.

“When life has finally returned to normal, I think football will change for the better,” he said, speaking to the Guardian.

“We should see the reversal of a power balance that has swung the wrong way for too long, switching it back in favour of the clubs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I would certainly expect that to happen in the divisions below the Premier League, where the financial implications of Covid-19 are hitting particularly hard.

“Players and agents will have to lower their expectations, and we will see fewer instances of football clubs being held to ransom over deals and contracts.

“Anyone going in saying, ‘This guy wants this money, and I want this amount for doing the deal’, might have to face a new reality.

“Do you want the club to go out of existence, and then there’s no club to play at? If agents ask too much then clubs will say: ‘No problem, we’ll do something else.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Recruitment will change and that may well see more youth players becoming involved.

“At Ipswich we have a really talented group from under-15s and under-16s upwards. I know that if we can’t go out and spend a certain amount, we can bring these guys in and develop them.”