Whilst I fully understand the need for a winter break in the Premier League, I am very concerned about the suggestion that the Fifth Round of the FA Cup might be moved to midweek, with no fifth round replays. If the Fifth Round was played in midweek, it could reduce its profile, and make it more difficult for spectators to attend the matches which would be a shame. And not having fifth round replays would only cut one potential fixture, so I can understand why some clubs are concerned that no Cup replays might be extended to other rounds of the competition.
In my opinion the best way to make space for the Premier League break would be to make the League Cup into a Football League only competition. The required number of Premier League games could then be transferred to the dates that the early rounds of the League Cup are currently played, and this would create the space for the break. This change would save the top Premier League teams a maximum of seven matches a season, which I think would freshen up the players far more than a potential one game saving.
I also think that the League Cup could be more exciting as a Football League only competition as there could be more teams that could realistically win it.
I also feel that the proposed break needs to be about a week longer and start a little earlier, so that the players are refreshed but fully warmed up when the Champions League knockout matches start.
A Football League only League Cup should free enough dates to allow this without any changes to the FA Cup apart from possibly playing playing some of the rounds on different weekends.
I accept that my suggestion may not be the best plan for the top clubs financially, but I think it could create more success for the England team and more success for our club sides in Europe.
Bill Thomas ... Bradford on Avon.