The English Football League has announced that Championship play-off places will expand to eight teams from next season, adding two more clubs to the promotion race. Currently eighth-placed Derby and seventh-placed Southampton would have qualified under the new format, with Rams manager John Eustace supporting the change as it helps teams with injury problems stay competitive until season's end.

Leicester City head coach Gary Rowett acknowledged the commercial appeal but questioned the sporting merit, telling BBC East Midlands Today that teams finishing 25 points behind third place shouldn't necessarily get promotion chances. Rowett highlighted the financial incentive, noting the £150m golden ticket that comes with Premier League promotion. Neil Warnock, the most successful play-off manager with four promotions, believes the change will give mid-table teams more impetus after Christmas.

Millwall finished eighth last season with 66 points while Sheffield United, who lost the play-off final to Sunderland, accumulated 90 points in third. Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom dismissed concerns about fairness, pointing to Sunderland's success after beating Coventry and Sheffield United in the play-offs. Birmingham City manager Chris Davies welcomed the change, saying it would make the competition more interesting for teams like his currently eight points outside the top six.