Carlisle United Football Club have been instrumental in pushing forward a proposal to the Football League and to Johnstone's Paint that has led to a rule change that gives clubs more flexibility for team selection, particularly during the early stages of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy competition.

United were among a number of clubs who were fined in the region of £3,000 for fielding what were deemed to be under-strength teams at the first-round stage of last season's competition, and the sanction was subsequently upheld despite what the club felt was a strong case for appeal.

Managing director John Nixon said: "We fully understand the need to maintain the quality of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy competition and we have shown by our approach over the years that we will always do that.

"We accepted the fine last season, however, we felt that the existing rules were somewhat restrictive as they did not allow for players returning from injury or new signings to be included in the starting line up, particularly in the early stages of the competition for rounds 1 and 2.

"This new ruling brings a more sensible approach and should allow flexibility to clubs when it is genuinely needed."

Season 2009/10 Full Strength Team Policy (Rule 7.3)

For the purposes of Rule 7.3 regarding club's obligation to play its full strength in all matches in the competition, sanctions will be imposed on any club failing to include in its starting line-up at least 6 out of 11 players who have made the most starting appearances in League and domestic Cup competitions fixtures during that season.

New Full Strength team Policy - Season 2010/11

For the 2010/11 season onwards, full available strength means:

(a)  A Club must include in its starting line-up at least 6 out of the 11 players who started the Club fixture immediately preceding or following the relevant Johnstone's Paint Trophy fixture; or

(b)  A Club must include in its starting line-up at least 6 out of 11 players who have made the most starting appearances in League and domestic Cup competitions fixtures during that season.

For the avoidance of doubt, the two tests are mutually exclusive. A club may not apply part (a) and part (b) together, eg, three players from the immediately preceding or following club fixture plus three players with the most appearances.