Players must be heard in debate over Irish League switch: Matthew Clarke

Linfield's Matthew Clarke admits he would find it strange playing in the summer

Experienced Irish League performers Curtis Allen, Matthew Clarke and Albert Watson have urged the Northern Ireland Football League to consult with players before considering any change to the playing calendar in Northern Ireland.

In NIFL’s five-year strategic plan, the football body said it would “consult with stakeholders and member clubs to investigate the benefits of a change in calendar”.

NIFL will also “develop a timebound strategic roadmap for transition and implementation of a playing calendar”.

A move to summer football has been a hot debate for many years and NIFL chiefs face the difficult task of changing the thinking of those who favour the traditional fixtures calendar, which incorporates the popular festive fixtures.

The Premiership remains a largely part-time league with players having jobs outside of football.

Any seasonal change would dramatically impact their lives and it’s widely acknowledged that on this divisive issue the players have a voice which must be heard.

Linfield defender Clarke says: “I don’t know what to think about it, I’m not sure what I would prefer.

“I would probably find it strange playing in the summer, I enjoy the current structure.

“I think the players from each club should be consulted on it. They could find out what the consensus of opinion is with them.

“You would probably need a vast majority of the players to be in favour of it.”

Former Linfield, Coleraine and Glentoran striker Allen, who is now with Carrick Rangers, insists the players must be listened to.

“Players need to be the ones consulted about it, they are the ones who train and play the game,” said Allen.

“They have families and careers of