Neil Warnock is the play-offs’ most successful manager since they were first introduced in 1987, winning four promotions and thinks it will encourage more teams who may have previously thought their season was over.

“I thought it was a bad thing when it first came in but it turned into a good thing – certainly for me anyway. I finished in every position and got promotion so I don’t think it matters,” he told BBC Sport.

“For mid-table teams after Christmas it gives you more impetus but it makes it more difficult for the teams that finish third or fourth as there’s a bit more opportunity for other people to conquer the top teams.”

Millwall finished eighth in the Championship last season on 66 points with Bristol City claiming the final play-off spot on 68 points.

Third-placed Sheffield United, who lost the play-off final to Sunderland, got 90 points but Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom does not believe it gives sides finishing a long way behind the top teams an unfair opportunity.

“I’ve heard that argument and I can’t believe people are saying it,” he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

“Sunderland were lucky to beat Coventry in the semi-final and then fortunate to beat Sheffield United with a decision that I can’t understand that went against Sheffield United. Sunderland got in the play-offs and are (now) the best of the promoted teams.”

Derby’s John Eustace agrees, arguing teams who finish lower down the Championship would not struggle any more than those who already win promotion.

“Look at the teams that go up, unless they spend hundreds and hundreds of millions of pounds it’s difficult to stay up there so it doesn’t make much difference,” he said.

Birmingham City are currently eight points short of the top six but just two behind eighth place and their boss, Chris Davies says it will make the competition even more interesting.

“I think it’s a good idea in principle and gives more chances to teams like us. For example this season it would make for a close situation for us,” he said.

“I’m not against it, but I wasn’t clamouring to say we need to do it. It’s certainly going to open up the league and it’ll be very interesting to see how it goes.”