DUNDEE’S Brent Sancho reckons there’s a way for the SPL to get back in players good books—re-introducing the winter shutdown.
Relations between top flight bosses and the guys who turn out for their clubs are headed for an all-time low amidst plans to raise the maximum levels of fines that can be imposed on players and scrap guaranteed basic wage payments during long-term injury absences.
Sancho believes the SPL hierarchy might pick up a few Brownie points if they put the season, briefly, into cold storage once again.
“I have never experienced a winter break here, but the rest of the lads have all said it was a great idea,’’ said the Trinidad and Tobago internationalist.
“It’s hard to train because of the weather and there have been a few games called off recently.
“I think if the authorities asked the players what they wanted, everyone would tell them to bring it back.
“To have three weeks rest after New Year must be great because it gives you the chance to get rid of any injuries you might be carrying and also work on some things for the second half of the season.’’
Sancho would have welcomed such respite this year.
“I have been struggling with a few little injuries and the manager has said that I’ve just to train when I can and take things pretty easy the rest of the time to make sure they don’t get worse,’’ he said.
“I’ve done an incredible amount of travelling to play for Trinidad this year and I don’t think I realised at first how much those trips take out of you.
“When we go away it is often for over a week and, as well as training and playing the actual games, there is a lot of hanging about at airports and hotels, which in itself is very draining.
“I’m not complaining because I love playing for my country.
“But I’m delighted we have not got another international until March because that will allow me a break.
“By the time that game comes around I’ll be fully fit and eager to get back into it.’’
The recovery from injury of Sancho’s fellow countryman Kelvin Jack is going to be monitored closely over the next few days as boss Jim Duffy’s seeks to avoid being left without goalkeeping cover.
Youngster Scott Murray, who has been understudying Derek Soutar, will be away on youth international duty from January 3 and unless Jack is ready to return by then Duffy will have to fix up back-up.
The manager meanwhile declined to comment on speculation linking him with the vacancy at Partick Thistle.