Exeter knew they would be without key players Josh Magennis (Northern Ireland) and Ilmari Niskanen (Finland) for the match. However, the late call-up of on-loan Brighton midfielder Kamari Doyle to England Under-20s brought the total absentees to three, meeting the threshold for postponement. Unfortunately, the notification arrived too late, as the EFL’s deadline had passed.
A Growing Problem for League One
Caldwell expressed frustration over the lack of flexibility in the EFL’s rules, particularly as League One continues to attract a higher calibre of players with international commitments.
“I am disappointed – really in the league, to be honest. When you get a player called up for his country, you’re really happy for him. It’s a fantastic moment for Kami, yet the league, because we missed a deadline, don’t allow a game to be called off.” – Gary Caldwell
Caldwell highlighted the challenges posed by international breaks, including disrupted training schedules and player fatigue. He called for the EFL to follow the Championship model, where fixtures during international windows are routinely rescheduled.
“League One is now at a level of quality where most teams have international players,” Caldwell stated. “Knowing the fixtures at the start of the season would be a huge help to everyone.”
Exeter’s International Evolution
For Exeter City, having a significant number of players called up for international duty is a relatively new experience. Alongside Magennis, Niskanen, and Doyle, players such as goalkeeper Joe Whitworth, injured Pat Jones, and Yanic Wildschut have represented their nations. The club’s growing international profile is a source of pride but also presents logistical challenges.
The EFL’s decision has forced Caldwell and his staff to rethink their approach to player workloads and preparation, with the Lincoln fixture set to proceed despite the absences.
Writer’s View
This situation underscores the evolving nature of League One, where clubs are increasingly impacted by international duties. While Caldwell’s frustrations are understandable, the EFL now has an opportunity to revise its policies and adapt to the league’s growing quality. Clearer scheduling and greater flexibility could ensure that clubs like Exeter are not disadvantaged in the future.
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