Oxford United are unlikely to have a goalkeeper on the bench regularly next season.

Boss Chris Wilder revealed to the Oxford Mail last night that with the amount of substitutes being reduced from seven to five this season, it leaves him with a problem.

And he is not particularly happy about it.

Football League clubs were asked whether they wanted cut the amount of named substitutes – and, taken as a block vote, League Two sides opted to reduce the number.

But Wilder says that from a manager’s point of view, it is the wrong decision.

“How much is it really going to save you?” he questioned.

“It maybe that you take one player less for an overnight stop, but in the greater scheme of things, I’m sure there are far more ways of saving a few quid.

“Will being able to name two players less on the bench stop clubs from getting in financial problems? I don’t think so.

“What it does do, however, is limit the chances of younger players getting a real taste of first-team action.

“It is a decision taken by people higher up in clubs, but I don’t think any manager would have voted for it.”

Towards the end of last season, United – like a lot of other clubs – put a couple of their youth team players on the bench to experience life in the first-team squad.

And it also means that whoever comes in as United’s No 2 goalkeeper is likely to spend most of the season sitting in the stands.

“The goalkeeper situation as a substitute is a tricky one,” Wilder said.

“My view is that with only five substitutes, you are better off having different outfield options on the bench.

“You will only change your goalkeeper during a match if he gets injured, and that very rarely happens.

“When we were in the Conference very often I didn’t have a keeper on the bench and my thinking at the moment is that I probably won’t for much of this season.

“It’s obviously different if your keeper is carrying an injury or it’s a real big match, but generally I think you’re better off having more options with outfield players.”

United supporters get their first chance to see Wilder’s summer signings in action at the Kassam Stadium today when they entertain MK Dons in a pre-season friendly.

l MK Dons preview: Page 46