AFC Wimbledon Erik Samuelson has welcomed FIFA’s abolition of the emergency loan system as it finally comes into force.

The football governing body announced radical changes to the loan system last summer, and with the passing of the transfer window deadline, that ruling – that does not affect standard long-term loans - is now in place.

It means that clubs in the Football and National League can no longer sign players on deals ranging between 28 and 93 days outside of the regular transfer window.

The only exception being that clubs are permitted to sign a goalkeeper on a seven-day basis if they do not have a senior goalkeeper that has made five first team appearances.

It has met with criticism– including from Sky Sport pundit Ian Holloway, who labelled the new ruling ‘horrendous’ – but Samuelson can see the benefits.

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Happy: AFC Wimbledon chief executive Erik Samuelson

He said: “We first spoke about it in July last year, and Neal’s view at the time was that, while he did not want it, he thought we were well placed to deal with it.

“We’ve had a whole year since then to think it through, which is why he has a squad structure that allows him maximum flexibility and suitable cover, as well as recognising there are new lads coming through who may need to step into the gap.

“When you look at the past couple of seasons, we have bloodied seven or eight academy players – and Neal is not afraid to do that if injuries mean it has to be done.”

He added: “We’re not worried by the consequences, partly because we have had time to prepare and, partly because the existence and evolution of the academy means we are well placed.

“I personally welcome it, it forces clubs to look to themselves and pay more attention to their academies and hopefully make more use of their home-grown talents.”

Dons boss Neal Ardley did not make any last-gasp signings during Wednesday’s deadline day, although he had maybe done his best piece of business on Tuesday when Lyle Taylor signed an extension to his contract.

Ardley said: “Lyle was ours for the season, but if we had got to January and he was doing well we may have lost all chance of keeping him at that point.

“Then you would get derisory offers because he is running down his contract. It was important that we invested in him and he has invested in the club.

“He can just focus on his football now.”

And focussing on football could be key as the Dons are still looking for their first win in League One after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Rochdale – they host Chesterfield this weekend.

They have, however, secured a first win of the season in the Checkatrade Trophy, thanks to Tuesday night’s 3-0 win over Swansea U23s – in front of just 461 fans at the CRRS.