Pitch narrowed for the new campaign

The City head coach tested the idea during pre-season training at Failand and in Tenerife, before playing the friendly with FC Twente on a narrower playing surface.

Speaking on BCTV, Johnson said: “We just feel, given the particular style and shape we want to play, with the players in our squad, that it may give us a one percent advantage.

“We feel it is worth a try. It’s something we’ve worked on and it went well for us against FC Twente. I know that’s not the Championship, but our boys looked comfortable with it.

“We discussed various options and we’re going to go with narrowing the pitch a little bit in the season ahead.”

WHAT IS ALLOWED?

Minimum and maximum dimensions are as follows in the EFL

Maximum length 120yds (110 metres)
Minimum length 110yds (100 metres)
Maximum width 80yds (75 metres)
Minimum width 70yds (64 metres)

Rule 13.2 of the EFL Regulations state: “Clubs must register their pitch dimensions with the League prior to the start of each Season. It will be misconduct on the part of a club to alter its pitch dimensions during a season without the prior written consent of the League, which consent will only be given in exceptional circumstances. The League may at any time require a club to submit a report from a qualified independent source certifying the pitch dimensions.”