OFFICIALS say Orient boss Russell Slade must put up with the limited substitutes rule at a friendly tournament in Devon.

Rules which forbid more than three player changes at the Joma South West Challenge Cup have caused an outcry among managers who are desperate to blood players ahead of taxing league campaigns, and to avoid injuries from over-exertion.

Slade is just one boss who has spoken out against the rules. But they are set by the Football Association and are not subject to change, a tournament official told Guardian Series Sport.

"Maybe something can be sorted out for next time, but not this year" he said. "These are FA directives."

But with Orient in the semi-final of the pre-season competition, perhaps protests can wait.