Video: Forest manager Aitor Karanka backs the change
Forest manager Aitor Karanka and Notts gaffer Kevin Nolan both back the decision for the football league summer transfer window to shut earlier.
The deadline has now been moved forward to Thursday August 9 this year and will close at 5pm but clubs can still loan players and bring in free agents until August 31, in line with the Premier League window.
A majority of the 72 EFL clubs, which covers the Championship, League 1 and League 2, voted in favour of closing the window earlier, with 40 clubs voting for, 29 against with three sending their apologies.
And both Aitor Karanka and Kevin Nolan said they would welcome the change before the final decision was announced.
Karanka said: “I think if the league starts that day, then the transfer window should finish that day.
“For me, it’s better for all teams to play under the same conditions.”
Video: Kevin Nolan also backs the summer transfer window being brought forward
Magpies manager Kevin Nolan has criticised the window closing at the end of August in the past but was confident change would be a step in the right direction.
He said: “Talking about players who aren’t yours can wear you out.
“The amount of time we spent on Mason Bennett, the poor lad pulls his hamstring, and we lose him for the rest of the season.”
Alongside the vote, the EFL has also adopted new measures regarding what constitutes playing a full-strength team, stating at least 10 outfield players from the previous fixture must continue in the side.
EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey said: “I’m pleased the matter has been determined by the clubs ahead of the start of next season.
“This new approach will give clubs and managers the stability they crave earlier in the season while also providing the flexibility to add to their squads after the traditional deadline until the end of month if required.”
In the event a club breaches the policy they could be charged and referred to a Disciplinary Commission.
Talks will also continue over the potential future use of artificial pitches in the EFL, which is being discussed due to fixtures being postponed over the winter months.
