Winter Break

[Doc Brown]

I honestly don't think a break would help. The root of the problem there is the players and their clubs. They care more about their clubs and Managers like Wenger and Fergie(in the past ) put pressure on them to eother take it easy or just pull out injured. Money is why England are shit. We would do better in the Summer if we sent an under 21 squad/fringe England players. A break won't change a club or players thinking when it comes to England imo.

With the greatest of respect, this is the stereotypical view of why England are always so poor; 'They don't care enough. They get paid millions, so they don't care.' It's probably true to an extent, but it's a cheap, lazy argument and absolutely not the reason England never grace the latter stages of tournaments.

Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar are 3 highest paid players in the World...it doesn't stop them playing with passion (and, more importantly, superb ability) for their country at the highest level. You don't have to burst into tears, clutching your shirt to your face ala Gazza at Italia '90 to prove that you care about playing for England.

The players England produce, in the main, are so technically deficient in comparison to the established international nations it makes them completely inept for international level. That comes from years of arrogance and ignorance in this country assuming England are God's gift to world football.

The way England raise their young footballers is the main, real issue; The terrible coaching players receive as youngsters, the emphasis put solely on winning, the counter-productive shouts from parents trying to massage their ego through their children, the oversized, cabbage-patch pitches, and resulting long ball culture.

The media and fan hype/expectation is an equally large culprit. England layers are terrified of failure. Expectations (and subsequently pressure) should be absolutely nil when England go to a major tournament finals. Who knows? It might actually let the players express themselves and win.

All the 'Bull Dog Spirit' in the world won't help a side that can't retain possession for more than 15 seconds against even a semi-competent side. Over the years, England teams have complained about running out of energy when getting to the latter stages of games, particularly when facing the dread of a penalties after 120 minutes. A winter break would help this, but it's not the main issue holding the England team back. A lot of things would have to change if England are going to win at tournaments. Is it going to happen anytime soon? No chance.

 

[California_PNE]

I think the gap is so that tickets can be sold over a decent time period. It's also so they can usually hold all 3 over the bank holiday weekend.

yo tino; think this is a good thing? for me play offs should be season end, play first sat after season end, play following sat then sat after final (fri, sat, sun for whatever league)

for me minimum it adds 1 week to the end of the season maybe even 2 weeks, 2 weeks that could be used to ease fixture congestion, and maybe the season should be extended by a week or two also

 

[StevieB]

What a good thread and some good responses.
This will not happen in my opinion as Football is owned by Television, Television has to satisfy their audience / subscribers. Simply cannot see how this break would fit in with the TV schedule.
I personally do not watch football on TV as it send me to sleep, live atmosphere every time please!!

 

[gazzaholly]

I can't add much more to what has already been said. Players/managers are moaning about a long season, that I understand. All this will realistically do is shorten the summer break - which will cause problems when international tournaments occur. Also, our weather isn't exactly predictable - if we take a 2-3 week break in early January and the weather takes a turn for the worse straight after this break, how on earth will they catch up the fixtures then?

 

[California_PNE]

With the greatest of respect, this is the stereotypical view of why England are always so poor; 'They don't care enough. They get paid millions, so they don't care.' It's probably true to an extent, but it's a cheap, lazy argument and absolutely not the reason England never grace the latter stages of tournaments.

Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar are 3 highest paid players in the World...it doesn't stop them playing with passion (and, more importantly, superb ability) for their country at the highest level. You don't have to burst into tears, clutching your shirt to your face ala Gazza at Italia '90 to prove that you care about playing for England.

The players England produce, in the main, are so technically deficient in comparison to the established international nations it makes them completely inept for international level. That comes from years of arrogance and ignorance in this country assuming England are God's gift to world football.

The way England raise their young footballers is the main, real issue; The terrible coaching players receive as youngsters, the emphasis put solely on winning, the counter-productive shouts from parents trying to massage their ego through their children, the oversized, cabbage-patch pitches, and resulting long ball culture.

The media and fan hype/expectation is an equally large culprit. England layers are terrified of failure. Expectations (and subsequently pressure) should be absolutely nil when England go to a major tournament finals. Who knows? It might actually let the players express themselves and win.

All the 'Bull Dog Spirit' in the world won't help a side that can't retain possession for more than 15 seconds against even a semi-competent side. Over the years, England teams have complained about running out of energy when getting to the latter stages of games, particularly when facing the dread of a penalties after 120 minutes. A winter break would help this, but it's not the main issue holding the England team back. A lot of things would have to change if England are going to win at tournaments. Is it going to happen anytime soon? No chance.

you potentially fall foul of your own message? 🙂

England national under-17 football team - world cup winners 2017
England national under-20 football team - world cup winners 2017

winter break is total bullshit imo
because the players wont get any 'rest' during this period cause they'll be flying allover the world playing 'friendlies' and doing deli ali videos

NOTHING to do with winter break

it is to do with footballing intelligence and team spirit; for which we lack - skill, technical ability, physical ability we're at the same level of our peers i couldnt be convinced otherwise

 

[Tino]

yo tino; think this is a good thing? for me play offs should be season end, play first sat after season end, play following sat then sat after final (fri, sat, sun for whatever league)

for me minimum it adds 1 week to the end of the season maybe even 2 weeks, 2 weeks that could be used to ease fixture congestion, and maybe the season should be extended by a week or two also

So you're wanting to space out the semi finals over a week? I think the current set up works really well with a 3/4 day gap between the semis.

There's also a day or so after the semis for the clubs to sort all the logistics out, so I can't see a week to sell up to 90,000 tickets being long enough. There's also the cup final to fit in at Wembley which is another reason they prefer them over 1 weekend.

 

[Mickypne]

With the greatest of respect, this is the stereotypical view of why England are always so poor; 'They don't care enough. They get paid millions, so they don't care.' It's probably true to an extent, but it's a cheap, lazy argument and absolutely not the reason England never grace the latter stages of tournaments.

Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar are 3 highest paid players in the World...it doesn't stop them playing with passion (and, more importantly, superb ability) for their country at the highest level. You don't have to burst into tears, clutching your shirt to your face ala Gazza at Italia '90 to prove that you care about playing for England.

The players England produce, in the main, are so technically deficient in comparison to the established international nations it makes them completely inept for international level. That comes from years of arrogance and ignorance in this country assuming England are God's gift to world football.

The way England raise their young footballers is the main, real issue; The terrible coaching players receive as youngsters, the emphasis put solely on winning, the counter-productive shouts from parents trying to massage their ego through their children, the oversized, cabbage-patch pitches, and resulting long ball culture.

The media and fan hype/expectation is an equally large culprit. England layers are terrified of failure. Expectations (and subsequently pressure) should be absolutely nil when England go to a major tournament finals. Who knows? It might actually let the players express themselves and win.

All the 'Bull Dog Spirit' in the world won't help a side that can't retain possession for more than 15 seconds against even a semi-competent side. Over the years, England teams have complained about running out of energy when getting to the latter stages of games, particularly when facing the dread of a penalties after 120 minutes. A winter break would help this, but it's not the main issue holding the England team back. A lot of things would have to change if England are going to win at tournaments. Is it going to happen anytime soon? No chance.

To be fair mate my son is in a Football team and he's 9. The Coaching is decent and not long at all, they are taught to play from the back(opposing kids have to be at the halfway line) and if in danger just go back to the Keeper as long as you keep the Ball. This is the FA way and fair play, it's trying to get kids playing and the future could well be bright. Ax it's pointed out, under 17 and 20 have just won the WC. The majority of the Coaches are decent nowadays to. My lads Coaches go away and do courses to be qualified(not sure all do) but some Coaches are old school and can get on kids backs a little(they are a minority though). The pitches are a massive improvement from i was a kid because if the Grass is unplayable, clubs will try and and arrange for the game to be played on 3 or 4G. The 4G pitch which we play on at Uclan Sports Arena is exceptional. As for Parents, i think that will always happen. I encourage my lad and his team mates(although to other parents i might have the odd grumble when a kid don't even kick a Ball or run to try, but never do the kids hear my grumble). Most parents i come across have an opinion etc but keep it quiet and amongst themselves during the game so kids don't hear(what they say in the Car on the way home is probably more important than anything). I always tell me lad and his team mates after a loss that they did well and tried hard. Ironically, the kids do have a Winter break and our team lost alot before the break and their heads where down. The got a 5 week break and they've come back happy and ready to go again and defeats are forgotten about. Maybe a break does work :youl:

 

[pnesaint]

A definite no for me.

1 - professional football is essentially a form of entertainment, so let them entertain - the 'show must go on' and all that.
2 - the weather in Britain is unpredictable so there is no obvious time for a break - imagine the fixture chaos if there was a break in a mild January followed by 3 weeks of bad weather in February.
3 - England have already won the world cup - no winter break in '65-'66 as I recall - plus that was a 42 game season, not the current truncated 38 one

 

[California_PNE]

So you're wanting to space out the semi finals over a week? I think the current set up works really well with a 3/4 day gap between the semis.

There's also a day or so after the semis for the clubs to sort all the logistics out, so I can't see a week to sell up to 90,000 tickets being long enough. There's also the cup final to fit in at Wembley which is another reason they prefer them over 1 weekend.

there is basically 3 weeks between end of the season and the play off final - 3 weeks for 3 games. saying that could be reduced to 2 weeks freeing up a week and maybe start or end the season week early/late... know its always around a bank holiday i am saying it doesnt need to be

 

[sports rehab]

What will happen as an 'un-intended consequence (or perhaps by design of the big boys) the winter break will be in January - because they know Christmas is too popular with fans to get it accepted.

BUT January has the 3rd and 4th round of the FA Cup; SO the prerm teams will insist on either NO REPLAYS between the rounds OR 'they' only join at Round 4.....bit like they do it the league cup.

personally they can have a winter break (unless we get promoted!) - from say October to March - and then 'proper football' would get more publicity.....and more of the TV money....

 

[Mickypne]

What will happen as an 'un-intended consequence (or perhaps by design of the big boys) the winter break will be in January - because they know Christmas is too popular with fans to get it accepted.

BUT January has the 3rd and 4th round of the FA Cup; SO the prerm teams will insist on either NO REPLAYS between the rounds OR 'they' only join at Round 4.....bit like they do it the league cup.

personally they can have a winter break (unless we get promoted!) - from say October to March - and then 'proper football' would get more publicity.....and more of the TV money....

Good point that, clubs in League 2 would really benefit and that could dangle it in favour if it went to a vote from all clubs.

 

[Nishtar36]

Don't see any negatives in a Winter Break.

Manchester City have played 40 games in 6 months, Manchester United similar. By the end of the season they'll have played around 60 games, with very little rest between games. Players are knackered already, it's unsustainable.

A 2-3 week break in January would allow players to rest and recover, would probably reduce the chances of muscle injuries in the latter stages of the season and would give fans a break from the relentless winter period of games on TV basically every day. Harry Kane will be going into this World Cup having played around 60 games with very little recovery time between games, he'll be dead on his feet. It works for Italy, Germany, Spain...

Scrap FA cup replays. Start the season a week earlier, finish it a week later.

 

[California_PNE]

Don't see any negatives in a Winter Break.

Manchester City have played 40 games in 6 months, Manchester United similar. By the end of the season they'll have played around 60 games, with very little rest between games. Players are knackered already, it's unsustainable.

A 2-3 week break in January would allow players to rest and recover, would probably reduce the chances of muscle injuries in the latter stages of the season and would give fans a break from the relentless winter period of games on TV basically every day. Harry Kane will be going into this World Cup having played around 60 games with very little recovery time between games, he'll be dead on his feet. It works for Italy, Germany, Spain...

Scrap FA cup replays. Start the season a week earlier, finish it a week later.

FA cup replays are essential

Tottenham v Newport this week is a prime example

 

[lasherbasher]

Don't see any negatives in a Winter Break.

Manchester City have played 40 games in 6 months, Manchester United similar. By the end of the season they'll have played around 60 games, with very little rest between games. Players are knackered already, it's unsustainable.

A 2-3 week break in January would allow players to rest and recover, would probably reduce the chances of muscle injuries in the latter stages of the season and would give fans a break from the relentless winter period of games on TV basically every day. Harry Kane will be going into this World Cup having played around 60 games with very little recovery time between games, he'll be dead on his feet. It works for Italy, Germany, Spain...

Scrap FA cup replays. Start the season a week earlier, finish it a week later.

Why do the ‘big’ teams have such big squads? North End had to manage with 8 injured defenders yet teams that squander millions on talent whinge when one or two players miss a game or two or have to play too many games. Scrapping FA Cup replays also hurts the smaller teams since it gives them less chance of a rerturn match pay day.

However, I do sympathise with your complaint about an overload of TV football. As a favour, PM me me your address and a convenient time when I can come round and show you how to change channels and turn the TV on and off.

If you need a break in winter, take a break but don’t force the rest of the league and their supporters into cold storage whilst overpaid fancy dans get a friendly tour in the sunshine.

 

[VivaVivaBaby]

Don't see any negatives in a Winter Break.

Manchester City have played 40 games in 6 months, Manchester United similar. By the end of the season they'll have played around 60 games, with very little rest between games. Players are knackered already, it's unsustainable.

A 2-3 week break in January would allow players to rest and recover, would probably reduce the chances of muscle injuries in the latter stages of the season and would give fans a break from the relentless winter period of games on TV basically every day. Harry Kane will be going into this World Cup having played around 60 games with very little recovery time between games, he'll be dead on his feet. It works for Italy, Germany, Spain...

Scrap FA cup replays. Start the season a week earlier, finish it a week later.

I'd agree with all of this, however it looks like we have far too many dinosaurs on here who simply don't like change.

A winter break in Germany works perfectly for them, who also have the added advantage of less league fixtures and one less domestic cup to compete in.

If the only argument is that it would spoil Christmas for some 'fans', then it's really not an argument. Just move the break to say 2-3 weeks in January.

No brainer for me really.

 

[Mickypne]

FA cup replays are essential

Tottenham v Newport this week is a prime example

Beat me to it. It's crazy to think Newport will benefit more with a replay that they would to have won. Replay's are important to smaller clubs including us. We've been beaten at Deepdale off Utd and Arsenal recently, how much would a draw have been worth to us? Replay's are important.

 

[Mickypne]

Why do the ‘big’ teams have such big squads? North End had to manage with 8 injured defenders yet teams that squander millions on talent whinge when one or two players miss a game or two or have to play too many games. Scrapping FA Cup replays also hurts the smaller teams since it gives them less chance of a rerturn match pay day.

However, I do sympathise with your complaint about an overload of TV football. As a favour, PM me me your address and a convenient time when I can come round and show you how to change channels and turn the TV on and off.

If you need a break in winter, take a break but don’t force the rest of the league and their supporters into cold storage whilst overpaid fancy dans get a friendly tour in the sunshine.

That made me laugh. Banter!!!!!

 

[Town_ender]

So the Prem are discussing a Winter Break and eventually it will filter down to the Champ and of course PNE. Would this benefit us as a club? We do have international players and we also play more games than the Prem. Would the club welcome it? Players? but ,more importantly the fans?
As a fan, i'm not sure. Would this mean i'd have to visit games in a shorter period to make up for the break therefore paying out more at one time(won't affect ST holders of course.) or will the season be extended? Let's be honest, as a fan, Christmas is one of the best parts of the season. We get to watch PNE about 4 times and TV is riddled with Footy, perfect for the fan but i assume if we have a Break this will all go.

Is it a good idea or not?

(i'd have added a Poll but forgot how to.)

In a word, No.

Another scam by the greedy premier league clubs to get more money. They say that it's a long season and the players need a rest. If it's so arduous the last thing they be doing is dragging their players off across multiple time zones to the other side of the world to play lucrative pre-season friendlies to 'prepare' for the new season. The propsal for a winter break is just a covert way of them to create more oportunities to go off to the middle east to rake in even more money from additional friendlies.

 

[Nishtar36]

Why do the ‘big’ teams have such big squads? North End had to manage with 8 injured defenders yet teams that squander millions on talent whinge when one or two players miss a game or two or have to play too many games. Scrapping FA Cup replays also hurts the smaller teams since it gives them less chance of a rerturn match pay day.

However, I do sympathise with your complaint about an overload of TV football. As a favour, PM me me your address and a convenient time when I can come round and show you how to change channels and turn the TV on and off.

If you need a break in winter, take a break but don’t force the rest of the league and their supporters into cold storage whilst overpaid fancy dans get a friendly tour in the sunshine.

Chill out, lasher. I don't even have a sky/ BT subscription, but I think I read that football was on TV for something like 18 days in a row over December and January, it's excessive.

As someone else said, a Winter Break is a just a sensible thing to have. There are no negatives to it as long as it doesn't impact the sacred Boxing Day/ New Years Day English fixtures.

We play too much football, players get fatigued and pick up injuries. I think that the foreign clubs have an advantage in the Champions League because their players are coming into it on the back off a 2-3 week rest period, I think foreign based players will probably have an advantage in summer because they won't have been playing football for 10 months straight.

It's hardy a revolutionary idea, its common sense IMO.

 

[California_PNE]

I'd agree with all of this, however it looks like we have far too many dinosaurs on here who simply don't like change.

A winter break in Germany works perfectly for them, who also have the added advantage of less league fixtures and one less domestic cup to compete in.

If the only argument is that it would spoil Christmas for some 'fans', then it's really not an argument. Just move the break to say 2-3 weeks in January.

No brainer for me really.

i hate posts like this really - if you're going to give an argument then back it up dont just critisise people who fucking love football in ENGLAND

the fact is (traditionally the german league stops because the weather this time of year makes football unplayable, but this will change due to mild winters and the rest of europe looking enviously at EPL EFL this is a fact, the worlds TVs tune into EPL for christmas and jan - this makes us unique and appealing to the global tv audience

the winter break will happen - in line with the points you make which is basically we will win the world cup if we take a break for a few weeks - bullshit. 69.2% of foreign players play in the premier league. all that will happen is the prem teams will fuck off and play friendlies around the world and making deli ali movies, the players wont be sat at home 'resting' playing playstation so we're not dinosaurs we're people with an opinion and burnt from years of this sort of bullshit pushed on us.

england dont fail in world cups because they dont have a winter break
we are shit because we have a team of players who consistently display poor football intelligence and a poor team spirit

man city play loads of games because they're good and firing in 4 competitions
pep will without at doubt want a break, who doesnt
they get tired, they have massive squads and loads of money

think its you that needs to get real and start applying some critical thinking toward the bullshit we're spoon fed by the media or people in power