DON’T BE A SCROOGE!

IT does amaze me how top foreign managers seem desperate to come to the Premier League – only to moan about one of the English game’s most precious traditions when they get here.

Complaining about a hectic fixture list over the Christmas period has become as much a part of the festive season as turkey, tinsel and kissing under the mistletoe.

Winning a league title isn’t a tickling contest.

It’s as much about endurance as it is about playing beautiful football – and long may it continue.

As a manager myself, I can understand why Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp have been so vocal about playing three games in such a short space of time.

And before they can catch their breath it will be FA Cup third-round day.

Managers want to protect their players. They also want time to prepare them.

But I used to love the Christmas grind when I was in my prime as a player.

One of the reasons why the English game is so popular around the world is that we keep ploughing through the rain, wind and ice while other leagues go on a sabbatical.

Back in Boxing Day 1888, Preston North End beat West Brom 5-0 at the Baggies’ old Stoney Lane ground on their way to becoming the first English league champions.

For many years, there would be a full programme of matches played on Christmas Day AND Boxing Day.

Football has undergone many changes in the Premier League era – rightly so.

But if you mess around with the magic too much, you run the risk of losing the spell.