THE EFFORTS of Blackburn Rovers boss Brian Kidd and his Burnley counterpart Stan Ternent to bolster their defensive resources could be doubly rewarded next season.

As well as the obvious factor of helping to win games, improved defensive performances will also be recognised if a proposal to revert to goal difference rather than goals scored to separate teams on level points is approved this weekend.

Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks wants the Football League's 72 clubs, which now include both Rovers and Burnley, to be brought in line with the Premier League and "the world at large."

Sheepshanks, deputy chairman of the Football League, will propose the change in regulation at the League's annual meeting in Chester on Saturday. He said: "While goals scored does send a positive message in terms of attacking play, it completely overlooks the other half of football, namely defence.

"Since the system has changed, statistics are inconclusive in showing that the current method has made no real difference to the number of goals being scored.

"We are already rewarding attacking play with three points for a win, but it seems mad to penalise those teams who defend well when any top manager will tell you that all the best teams are built on a solid defence."

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