WHITSTABLE TOWN manager John Roseman has called for a winter break in the English professional football season. Roseman, who led Whitstable to the Kent Senior Trophy last season, said: "I know that the idea of a winter break is not new, it's something that is already happening in Scotland.

"But I do think that apart from the benefits to the "big boys" the advantage to the lower clubs has not been fully thought through.

"If, for instance, the top three professional divisions were to hang up their boots from the end of the first week in January, think what a bonus it would be to the clubs in the Conference and the lower leagues in increased attendances, support and in raising their profile."

Roseman said his idea was to start the FA Vase and senior cup games to coincide with the winter break.

He said: "If there was no pro football for a month the fans would get their fix by watching football in the lower leagues.

"And just because it's the lower leagues, doesn't mean lower standards. I have seen goals that would grace an international game, let alone one of the top Premiership clubs.

"The FA Cup is now a potential pot of gold for the clubs at the foot of the football pyramid, and about time too."