Fixture Congestion, What fixture Congestion?

[Robbie]

PL clubs are always going on about fixture congestion. They always play their 2nd string in early League Cup & FA Cup Matches.They ensured FA Cup replays were discontinued due to what they claimed was fixture congestion.They prioritise the PL & the big PL Clubs concentrate on the European competitions.

But it hasn't stopped them pushing for a new competition, the National League Cup, which is a 32 team midweek competition, comprising 16 under-21 teams participating in Premier League 2, and 16 first teams from clubs participating in the National League.

Some NL clubs have already pulled out. Barnet, Eastleigh, Solihull & Southend have decided not to take up their places, with Dagenham & Redbridge, Wealdstone, Woking and Ebbsfleet taking their place.

I see this as PL clubs just wanting this competition for the sake of their under 21 teams to give their players more game time, & it strikes of hypocrisy.

I'd rather see FA Cup replays reintroduced rather than this new competition that won't make any money for National League sides, & will add another 4 to 7 games on their fixture list.

[NiftyNick]

There are a lot of games, and at points in a season, especially with postponed games, they start to pile up towards the end of the season. That is the most crucial part. The Nations League, for example, is a silly idea because it brings in more fixtures, and the competition is not that good. It should be used to give players more international experience, but you still see most of the main players getting called up.

[Chris]

Most players at this level, they will just get on it, but the fixtures can become demanding and when postponements happen then it can get a bit crazy.

I think with the Premier League, it's more of an excuse to say they need their main players.

Where they should be able to compete with the squad's depth, Notts has to make the most of what they have. It's evident that Aaron Nemane was overplayed and in need of rest. This situation highlights the importance of having sufficient depth in the squad to manage player fatigue effectively. I know when I have spoken about hoping to see the Anglo Italian Cup return, people suggest there's already enough fixtures.

[Countyman]

I think clubs just have to focus, but with talks at times about creating a super league and people hell-bent on ruining football, there’s no doubt going to be complaints of fixture congestion. I think teams need to balance their squads, but it is mostly just an excuse.