English football should fall in line with the rest of Europe and introduce a mid-season break, says Barnet's player-manager Tony Cottee.
The freeze-up during the Christmas-New Year holiday period caused widespread postponements. Worst hit were Barnet's Third Division rivals Darlington, who had a wasted marathon round trip to Exeter due to a late decision to postpone Saturday's game. Barnet's holiday programme included four games in ten days, away to Hartlepool, Mansfield and Shrewsbury and at home to Brighton.
The match at Mansfield was frozen off. Barnet had been due to play there in August, but the Field Mill ground was not ready, and the fixtures were reversed.
"I'm a traditionalist and enjoy Christmas," said Cottee. "Ten years ago, I looked forward to playing. But now I feel it is time to come into line with the rest of Europe and introduce a winter break. Our season should start at the end of February and finish at the end of November. The break should be in December and January, and not May and June, as is currently the case." Scotland has a 28-day break from January 3-30, but Germany is top, with 40 days from December 18 until January 26. There's no league football in Belgium for 30 days, from December 21-January 19, and in France, from December 22 -January 4.
Do you agree with Tony Cottee that English football should have a mid-season break? Send your letters to the Sports Desk, Hendon Times, 71 Church Road, Hendon NW4 4DN or email your views to John Pollard.
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