Premiership wants England window

[Scottish Mag 3]

The Premier League is proposing England play all their games in two three-week spells after Christmas and at the end of the season.

 

League chief Richard Scudamore says simplifying fixtures will boost results and take the pressure off clubs.

 

"We should try to rationalise the calendar to give the England manager blocks of time with the players," he told the Daily Telegraph.

 

"(Especially) at times when it is frustrating for clubs to let them go."

 

England's stuttering qualifying campaign for Euro 2008 has led to calls for a re-evaluation of the international calendar.

 

The England manager has got a chance, working with the players on an extended basis to recreate a club feel

 

England coach Steve McClaren has said he would be in favour of replacing some friendlies with extended training camps.

 

But Scudamore believes a simple re-organisation of the calendar would give the England manager more time with his players which would improve results.

 

The scheme would also satisfy club managers, who are required to release their players for international duty throughout the season.

 

"I would like to see the double-header weeks extended, so all internationals are played in blocks of two or three weeks," said Scudamore.

 

"Then the England manager has got a chance, working with the players on an extended basis to recreate a club feel.

 

"Look at Manchester United and Chelsea (in the Champions League) on Tuesday - they were a huge team effort. Every player knew what he was about."

 

Scudamore's plans would need the approval of Fifa and all continental confederation before they could be implemented.

[Sima 0]

Would I be a fool to assume that Scudamore already knows that ALL other nations would have to follow suit?

[luckyluke 2]

Seeing as every other country does things the same way we do and aren't a bunch of useless shits this isn't really going to help.

[Fop 1]

Are they aiming this at the "winter break" period a lot of leagues get?

[Sima 0]

Are they aiming this at the "winter break" period a lot of leagues get?

 

That would be the plan, I can see them garnering a lot of support from leagues with such a break. Can international teams gel after 6 months apart for the major championships though?

[Isegrim 10035]

I could think of a couple of countries that won't like the idea of playing matches at Arctic temperatures though. If they can free pitches from snow, that is...