Stephen Bradley plea as Shamrock Rovers face St Pat's THREE times in 10 weeks
Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley has urged League of Ireland officials to consider lengthening the season - so that clubs involved in Europe do not have to shoe-horn in matches.
Rovers are at home on Monday evening to St Patrick's Athletic and it's the third meeting in just over 10 weeks this season between the two sides.
On the other side of Dublin, meanwhile, the game between Shelbourne and Drogheda United is their FOURTH time facing each other, including the President's Cup final in early-February.
Monday's games have been moved forward to accommodate all four sides' European obligations later this summer.
However, Bradley believes there is a better way to free up clubs so that they can concentrate on money-spinning continental clashes.
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'I said many times that I think the league season should be extended and I really do believe that,' he said.
'I don't think I'm wrong here, but everyone is full-time in the Premier Division. So I don't see what the issue is in terms of…in the past it was some teams weren't full-time, it was about wages and all of that.
'But I think we should extend the season at either end and it takes out… I understand why we're playing each other, it frees up Europe, I get that. But if we extend the season at either end, it kills these issues.
'I don't think I'd be alone in saying that it's something that should be looked at. We're all full-time.'
While the clubs will be thankful for a free weekend when they are trying to progress in Europe, there are downsides to cramming in another Monday night fixture.
'Crowds come down, school nights, player welfare; there is a lot that goes into it,' he said.
'I'm in the position that over years we've built up a good squad and so it helps, we've no issue playing three games in the week. We've no issue at all.
'But I think for the league as a whole, to get people in the door and showcase the talent, I believe it can be structured better.
'I don't think from speaking to other managers that I'm alone in that. Maybe it's something that can be looked at going forward.'
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