Lewes boss says non-league fixture schedule is idiotic and stupid

Hugo Langton is not happy with the non-league schedule / Picture: James Boyes

The Rooks face playing on Saturday and Tuesday for the next SIX weeks – and many other non-league clubs up and down the country have the same hectic programme.

Langton was one of the most vocal coaches in the summer warning football authorities not to overload the first half of the season with midweek fixtures to make up for the late start to 2020-21. But he feels warnings have been ignored and the welfare of players who are part-time footballers with day jobs is being put at risk.

Ironically, the Rooks begin their two-games-a-week schedule after a ten-day break between games, caused by a league opponent being involved in the FA Trophy and Lewes’ Sussex Senior Cup tie at Little Common being rained off on Tuesday.

Langton stresses he is not just complaining at his own team’s fixture congestion – he is concerned for all teams faced with few free midweeks.

He told the Express: “We’ve got six weeks of playing Saturday-Tuesday now and it could be more depending on cups. We won’t be the only ones.

“There’s no consideration for player welfare. We’re okay with injuries at the moment but I’ve heard of clubs with eight or nine out.

“These players aren’t full-time footballers. They have day jobs, some are night workers, and you’re asking too much of them.

“When we knew the season would start, I pleaded late for them not to overload the first half of the season with midweek games and to spread them over the whole season but guess what has happened? It’s an idiotic schedule, it’s stupid.

“I worry for player welfare with so many games and demands after a long period with no football.”

Langton was glad of Lewes having no competitive game in the past week but he took a squad to Dartford last Saturday for what he said was a useful friendly. They lost 1-0 and Langton left at home those who needed the rest.

They make the long trip to Lowestoft in the FA Trophy tomorrow then host Carshalton in the league on Tuesday – aiming to build on a little unbeaten run that has lifted them away from the bottom of the Isthmian premier.