1 Jul 2010Former England boss backs winter break

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance | Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson believes English Premier League bosses should introduce a winter break to relieve some of the pressure on the national side's most prominent players.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, the Swede suggested league chiefs have so far been reluctant to introduce a rest period due to the potential financial implications of pausing the football season for a fortnight.

"England is the only country in Europe without a break and when it comes to these big tournaments they are suffering for it," he explained.

Although current England coach Fabio Capello was quick to express support for the move following his side's disappointing exit from this summer's FIFA World Cup, Plymouth Argyle manager Peter Reid disagreed.

The former Manchester City chief told Sky Sports News earlier in the week that the needs of football fans should come first and claimed the festive spell is one of the most important in the sporting calendar.

Written by Terry Mitchell

© Copyright