Manager slams fixtures programme

Last updated : 26 August 2003 By Mark Heys
Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce is unhappy that his team have to play three games in the space of the week and he beleives the fixture list has been badly planned as managers are frantically rushing around to add to their squad ahead of the Transfer Deadline meaning time is of the essence as far as recruiting new players and planning for games are concerned.

The Wanderers faced Blackburn Rovers on Saturday and have further games to come this week with tonights clash at Portsmouth being followed by a home game against Charlton Athletic over the weekend.

"We are moving into the last week of the transfer deadline and having to face three Premiership games in the space of seven days is not good planning" Allardyce told the clubs official site.

"The Premier League should look a little more kindly on the people who work in the front line and say 'How can we help'? he added

"Putting three fixtures in the final week of the transfer window isn't helping you when you have to concentrate on your team"

"How many managers are losing their focus on the games this week and focussing on the players they need to bring in?"

"Even though the responsibility may lie with someone else to finalise negotiations, it still detracts from what you should be doing 100% and that is concentrating on the next game. It is a little unfair and perhaps the league should have left this week clear."