How about that Winter / Spring Break, then?

Loitering in the bar at Latimer Park the other day, we overheard one side of a conversation between an un-named, Poppies Board representative and an unknown grandee of the Football Association.  Somehow, we only heard one side of the conversation.  We're not sure exactly how, but we only clearly, caught the voice of the FA's man.



"Hello, is that K*n S*muels, of Kettering Town FC?"

"Mumbled reply"

"Hi K*n.  We're ringing around every club to discuss our proposed mid-Winter break for next season.  As you know, a lot of players in the Premiership are getting increasingly tired, weary and tearful at having to play a couple of games every week over the Christmas period, so we're canvassing opinion about ceasing all football under the FA banner for a fortnight over the Christmas and New Year period."

"I'll give you a f*cking mid-winter break!!!"

"Surprised mumbled reply"

"Well, that's hardly a constructive....."

"More, mumbled rapid responses..."

"We appreciate that at your level that playing games over the Christmas period brings in more supporters and more revenue, and helps you, well, survive, but the Football Association would like you to consider the other side of the argument."

"Mumbled question"

"Basically Alexi Sanchez quite likes popping home to see his mum over Christmas, so it would really help him and others in his position....."

"Sound of an exasperated mumble"

"That's not an especially helpful response Mr S*muels.  Anyway, wouldn't your players like to take Christmas off too?  Perhaps move a few games to the end of February or early March, when the weather is much nicer?

"Abusive, mumbled tirade"

Well, obviously not THIS season.  What with the 19 foot high snow drifts followed by flooded pitches, but, most seasons we could probably get away with it ....."

"More mumbling"

"Would it really make that much difference at your level if your players played 3 or 4 times a week over March and April?  Really?  Consider the bigger picture.  If Eden Hazard or Christian Benteke were forced to play 180 minutes football over a 72 hour period, could you live with yourself?"

"Protracted, seemingly abusive mumbling"

"Mmmm.  Is there anyone else there I can talk to please.....?