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Ferguson angry at lack of consultation
Pete Oliver
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February 08, 2008 23:16 IST
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson criticised the Premier League's lack of consultation with managers and players before announcing its plans to take fixtures abroad.

The league has proposed that clubs play one additional fixture overseas from 2011 in a 39-game season.

Ferguson said those carrying the extra workload should have had an input before the ideas were made public.

"What disappoints me is that (United chief executive) David Gill phoned me and said 'keep this quiet, we are going to discuss it' and then it's all over the papers," Ferguson said.

"They can't keep their mouths shut down there. I think if they are going to do these things they should have been enquiring and having a discussion with managers and players before they come out with all this stuff and make an issue of it.

"This should be discussed internally by clubs before they come to this position we are in today," he added.

"Until I see and speak to David Gill and see more about it I have really have nothing to say."

Ferguson did welcome one new innovation from the league with clubs likely to be able to name seven substitutes from next season.

"I'm delighted about that," he said. "I have been saying it for years and it should be 11 substitutes. Most clubs are carrying squads of 22 to 23 players.

"But it helps in the sense that if you look at us last Saturday going to Tottenham and leaving two good players in the stands. They could have at least been sitting on the bench feeling a part of the team. It helps in some way but I still think it should be 11."

(Editing by Clare Lovell)



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