League of Ireland player survey provides definitive verdict on mid-season break after Damien Duff criticism
NEARLY all League of Ireland footballers are in favour of a summer break - and many want a close-season blackout period too.
The PFA Ireland, which represents professional players in Ireland, conducted a survey this week asking for feedback on the summer break.
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And a whopping 95.3 percent of the 319 members who replied were in favour of the break, which guarantees five continuous days off during the summer, should continue.
That is a slight increase from the last time that PFA Ireland survey members in 2019 when 92 percent were in favour.
The PFA Ireland survey was long planned but coincidence meant it was conducted a week after Shelbourne manager
Shels' gaffer Duff called it 'amateurish' and added that it had 'an air of the jolly boys outing…it's a week on the gargle.'
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But the vast majority of players are in favour of it, while no other manager has voiced disapproval, and Duff himself acknowledged this week the break came at a good time.
The survey also asked for feedback, and the players' representative body highlighted that a large number of players surveyed said there should be a close-season blackout.
While players get time off of around four weeks before coming back in for fitness work before pre-season proper, they are often given fitness programmes and a tracker.
And it was described by some in surveys as 'like working from home' during the only extended break that players get during the year.
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That is in line with a study by FIFPro - the world players' union - who compiled a study by 70 medical and performance experts that called for 'blackout' periods.
The PFA Ireland have highlighted that issue and will now bring it up with meetings with the National League Executive Committee.
Gabriel urges Arsenal to complete £67m transfer for 'phenomenal' Brazil team-mate Rodrygo amid Real Madrid frustration
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Damien Duff isn't a fan anyway
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