The EFL has confirmed a major rule change that will have a huge impact on the race to win promotion to the Premier League next season

Sheffield United duo Jairo Riedewald and Mark McGuinness are both welcoming the EFL’s recent decision to change the Championship play-off format.

From next season onwards, a further two teams will qualify for the play-offs, taking the number from six teams instead of the traditional four that Championship fans have become accustomed to.

This means any side from eighth and above, barring the top two, will be in contention to secure the third and final promotion spot to the promised land of the Premier League.

Riedewald, who has played in the top-flight in the past with Crystal Palace, told the Sheffield Star: “I think it’s a great opportunity for other teams to get into the play-offs as well. It’s a very competitive league already, playing so many matches, so many games, and so many good teams. But I think it’s going to be even more competitive next season. I don’t really have an opinion on it yet as I still need to learn all the ins and outs though.

The three-time Netherlands international went on to discuss how every Championship side has aspirations of reaching the Premier League.

The 29-year-old, who joined the Blades on a free transfer in October added: “For every team in the Championship, the Premier League is the ultimate goal, everybody wants to go there. It’s the best league in the world and the most competitive. And it’s good for the club and the fans to be in the Premier League as it’s the best in the world.”

Mark McGuinness reacts to Championship shakeup

McGuinness also shared his enthusiasm towards the change, he said: “It’ll be interesting to see what happens next year. Obviously it gives teams opportunities. We probably would have taken it this season, but it’ll be interesting to see.

“I don’t think it’s a bad thing to see a little bit of change and a bit of extra competition.”

Last month, ahead of the Steel City derby, Sheffield United sponsors, Midnite, unveiled a giant 4m sq chip butty to celebrate the beloved chip butty anthem that fans sing at the start of every home match.

As part of the campaign, Midnite has also donated hundreds of chip butties to local homeless shelters and food banks in the Sheffield area, with Sheffield United players McGuinness and Riedewald personally delivering a portion of the butties.