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Post by spanishal on Jan 4, 2020 9:52:55 GMT
Most club managers have been crying out for a break around Xmas for years and they have a point. Here in Spain no football is played at any level from late December to early Jan and most European clubs do something similar.
The demands of the modern game both physically and mentally bear no resemblance to days of old and the Xmas stampede means fatigue and injuries forces clubs to use their squads which of course for top clubs means that they can still field very strong sides where lesser clubs have little option other than fielding a weakened side.
FA cup day will see most premier and championship sides field a “ second 11” not by choice but necessity regardless of even our own managers comments about not disrespecting the FA cup . But it is exactly what is happening, the worlds most famous competition, an inconvenience, a sideline and so sad that it has come to this.
A short break would give players a rest and resume on cup day refreshed and able to put out full strength teams. Of course the power and financial muscle of TV will prevent this and dictate to clubs what day they play and at what time regardless of the inconvenience and burdens it puts on both clubs and their fans.
Probably not a popular opinion but got it off my chest anyway.
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Post by Macmoish on Jan 4, 2020 11:58:47 GMT
If Clubs got a break...the top ones would all go and play somewhere warmer during that period for money-making ventures
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Post by londonranger on Jan 4, 2020 14:34:15 GMT
Well seems that the holidays are a chance for the teams to make more money. The players are knackered from the crowding of matches. Saw Liverpool play on a Thurs night. They though had the players that could still run rings around Sheff. U. The extreme cold in Germany sees their league take a couple of weeks off. Frankly Spanish, good to see you posting but frankly I cant think of a sensible response.
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Post by Lonegunmen on Jan 4, 2020 17:06:40 GMT
If Clubs got a break...the top ones would all go and play somewhere warmer during that period for money-making ventures Exactly, they would probably go to LA or Florida in the USA, or Japan or the Middle East.
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Post by rickyqpr on Jan 4, 2020 17:35:59 GMT
I think there are far too many games this time of year. With 3 home games in 8 days I dread to think what tomorrow's attendance will be. But sadly, there are too many fixtures in the EFL for there to be any sort of a break. The only way round it would be to reduce the size of the divisions down to 18 or 20 teams. Given our ground and budget, we would be one of the teams put under pressure and it could mean that we drop to the third tier if the number of teams were to be cut. So, as much as I dislike the Christmas schedule, I am not sure what the answer should be. Perhaps a rescheduling of the FA Cup and the League cup so that it starts earlier so that the 3rd round takes place early December. FA Qualifying would have to start in July, but so what? Likewise, instead of pre-season games, play the opening rounds of the League Cup before the league kicks off. Both cups are pretty devalued already, but of course I will be there tomorrow..............sigh.
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Post by Lonegunmen on Jan 5, 2020 17:18:52 GMT
5,700?? Even the Wellington Phoenix get more at games. But your point is noted Rick. 3 games......
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