THE National League have confirmed two changes which will come into play from the start of next season.

In previous years, sides playing in the fifth tier of the English game had only been able to select five substitutes.

But, from next season, sides will be able to make more changes.

A statement, released via the Dagenham & Redbridge website confirmed: "Following a recent Written Resolution and two surveys, the Vanarama National League have confirmed the following changes to the 2024/25 season.

“A club at its discretion may use five substitute players at any time in a match.

"Substitution can only be made when play is stopped for any reason and the referee has given permission.

"A maximum of (seven) substitutes may be nominated and they must be included on the official team-sheet handed to the referee before the match”.

And there will also be a change in how the fixtures are structured.

“Historically, the Christmas and New Year schedules are reversed, in that the Boxing Day fixtures are reversed with New Year Day fixture, therefore playing the same team in a close time-frame," added the statement.

"After surveying all clubs, the board agreed that the league will reverse next season's Boxing Day fixtures with Good Friday and New Year with Easter Monday”.