Warbs slams winter break status quo
MARK WARBURTON has slammed the decision to keep the winter break in its present form.
He believes the Scottish game will suffer because players aren’t getting enough rest.
The only solution he can see is creating a longer break by scrapping the popular festive fixtures.
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster announced the shutdown would continue following positive feedback from Premiership coaches and managers.
The Rangers manager only sees the decision as a negative move.
He said: “I was part of the discussion. I didn’t agree with the break, I still don’t agree with the break. I only agree with it if you’re going to make it longer.
“My biggest concern is keeping the players fresh and, in turn, keeping the product fresh.
“The Cup Final is May 27, the last league game is May 20, the first qualifier in Europe is June 28.
“So four weeks between the Cup Final and a European qualifier.
“Then they’re talking about the co-efficient and Scottish teams not doing so well.”
Warburton fears that some his players may get no more than seven days off this summer.
He went on: “What do we do if we get to the Cup Final? Obviously, we want to be there.
“For starters, I might lose LeeWallace and Barrie McKay to the Scotland squad who play England on June 10.
“They’ll get four or five days off maximum, then play their part in a major game, a proper Auld Enemy game at Hampden, then maybe get away on June 12.
“Hopefully we’ll be playing a Euro qualifier on June 28. When do they have any sort of break?
“If your last game is the 20th May, you get away on the 22nd and you may get a fortnight off.
“If you are in the Cup Final you may, at best, get seven days. When do the players’ bodies recover?
“If it’s supposed to be during the winter break, which was 18 days this time, they get a maximum of six days. It’s not enough.
“I understand it’s a packed calendar, but if you don’t keep the product fresh, it’s a problem.”
Warburton wonders if the New Year games should be sacrificed for the greater good.
He went on: “I’d suggest a longer winter break.
“If you have a winter break, then give the boys at least two weeks off.
“In some places, they finish on Christmas Eve and came back on the 18th or 19th of January. I think Spain did 18th December to 8th January.
“People have times with their families, but there are no easy solutions.”
His other suggestion is to increase the number of midweek games.
He said: “We asked that question but I’m told it can’t be done. For me, it was an obvious one.
“We could finish the season maybe end of April, start of May. Have the Cup Final say the 6th or 13th of May and at least have a chance of a bit longer break. I think that makes sense.”