Notts County head coach Ian Burchnall says there is "no logic" behind the National League's decision to keep with a five-man substitute bench next season.

Clubs, which included the Magpies, had hoped to increase the number to seven to bring them into line with the EFL.

But a number of teams voted against the proposal despite managers across both the National League and its north and south divisions being in favour of a change.

And Burchnall claimed that some clubs had gone against the wishes of their managers who all discussed the matter on a conference call earlier this week.

"They are going to remain with five subs which is a very strange decision," he said.

"I was in on the managers' meeting on Thursday and not one opposed seven subs. When anybody asked if anybody had any objections nobody came forward.

"Everybody who spoke up was in support of it, but I know clubs are taking decisions above managers' heads.

"Seven clubs voted against it but I know those managers of those teams were in favour of increasing the number so it's a very strange situation.

"They are now only getting five subs and I think that's certain clubs protecting their own interests."

Managers across the National League had been hoped that increasing the number of available substitutes would allow them to name a goalkeeper on the bench.

Clubs across the division took the option not to name one last season and preferred an outfield player instead.

Notts were involved in two games last season when outfield players had to go in goal with midfielder Michael Doyle having to deputise for Sam Slocombe in a win over Dagenham.

And in Notts' 4-0 victory at Maidenhead in the final weeks of the season, Alan Devonshire had to put James Comley in goal after seeing his number one suffer an injury during the game.

And Burchnall says the decision to stay with five subs has left him in a position where he will continue to put an outfield player on the bench rather than a goalkeeper.

"If we want a better quality and more professional league with better games and more selection then seven subs would mean managers would not have to choose between a fifth outfield player or a goalkeeper," he said.

"We are now going to have to do that. I won't have a keeper on the bench next season and speaking to Neal Ardley (Solihull Moors manager) he won't either.

"It looks Mickey Mouse when an outfield player has to go in goal.

"The Premier League has increased the substitutes' bench to nine, but we can't get past five.

"There was no rationale or an explanation why and it's disappointing to be honest.

"If you look at our fixture list we play Torquay, have a day's break and then play Wrexham.

"That's two games in three days and they want to restrict the possible changes we have. There's no logic to it.

"The coaches want to see a more professional set-up, but it seems like that there are still restraints on that."