THEY USED TO PLAY IN THE AFTERNOONS YOU KNOW?

Last updated : 23 February 2003 By Editor

Fergie: "It seems to be all noon kick-offs. We have had more 12 o'clock kick-offs than three o'clock kick-offs this season - and it hampers recovery time.

"With a three o'clock kick-off, the players can have a long lie-in on a Saturday morning.

"But instead we have to get up at eight, have breakfast and go to the game.

"There is no point complaining about these things at the moment - but we will look at it at the end of the season."

IMUSA Chairman Mark Longden said: "It's the biggest issue we have had at United since Rupert Murdoch's attempted take-over.

"Everyone is complaining about it, and I don't just mean activists like myself - you hear ordinary punters moaning about it on their way to the match.

"At best this season we will have 14 Saturday 3pm kick-offs out of 44 league and cup games. There have been four end-of-season games not scheduled yet, and they are almost certain to be shifted, so at worst we will have had 10 out of 44 at the traditional time.

"Unless it changes, I certainly won't be renewing my season ticket, and a lot of people feel the same way.

"Away games at midday mean a really early start, five hours on the coach, no time to socialise or take in the atmosphere before the game, and another five-hour journey home.

"A football match should be a complete experience, not just about 90 minutes on the pitch."

 

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