Exeter will be without three key players—Josh Magennis (Northern Ireland), Ilmari Niskanen (Finland), and Kamari Doyle (England U20)—who have collectively contributed nine goals and four assists across all competitions this season.
Doyle’s call-up earlier this week came too late for Exeter to request a postponement under EFL rules. The irony of the situation is that Doyle’s promotion from the standby list was necessitated by withdrawals, including Nico O’Reilly, who then played for Manchester City U21s in another competition.
Skubala’s Balanced Perspective
Lincoln City manager Michael Skubala acknowledged the difficult position facing Exeter but stressed the need to focus on his own team’s preparation. Speaking in his pre-match interview, he commented:
“It’s the EFL rules, and they’re there for everybody to see and understand. Whether I agree or disagree is pretty irrelevant. Unfortunately, this is one of those rules that hurts them at this point. But these things tend to even out over the course of a season.”
Skubala also cautioned against underestimating Exeter despite their disadvantage, pointing out that such situations can sometimes rally a team to perform above expectations. “Sometimes situations like this can galvanize a group, so we need to be mindful of that as well,” he added.
EFL Rules and Fan Frustration
Exeter manager Gary Caldwell has voiced his frustration with the situation, framing it as a managerial opportunity to lower expectations while motivating his squad. The scheduling, compounded by a 12:30 kick-off to accommodate Sky TV, has also drawn criticism from fans, who feel the decision prioritises broadcast commitments over fairness and supporter convenience.
The incident echoes similar controversies in recent years, such as Lincoln’s own struggles to field a team during an injury and call-up crisis against Oxford. It highlights a growing issue in the EFL as more League One clubs feature players with international commitments.
Writer’s View
This situation highlights a structural challenge in balancing League One’s rising quality with its operational frameworks. As more clubs deal with international call-ups, the EFL must reconsider its rules to ensure fairness without disrupting the league schedule. Exeter’s plight underscores the need for greater flexibility, especially when late call-ups leave clubs at a significant disadvantage.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
