The SPL winter break is under threat

The three-week break in January has been established since the SPL was formed for the 1998-99 season although the World Cup last summer saw the mid-season interval cancelled for one year.

However, many clubs have complained that the lack of revenue generated at the start of the year is stretching their already limited budgets.

And several managers have voiced their doubts over the hiatus, which is designed to give players, pitches and fans a rest from the worst of the Scottish weather.

Winter break under fire

Hibs boss Bobby Williamson recently suggested that the break only served to advantage Celtic and Rangers, who often have more fixtures than the other sides, due to cup runs and European commitments.

Dundee manager Jim Duffy would like to see a major overhaul and is in favour of summer football.

"I'd like to see things completely changed," said Duffy.

"It's no fun for spectators watching in the biting wind and cold and our players have to train on frozen pitches."

Partick Thistle chief executive Alan Dick is critical of the break and says it hinders the chance to enter Europe through the Intertoto Cup.

"We would prefer to be playing constantly through the season," said Dick.

"The season doesn't finish until 24 May and with the Intertoto starting on the 21 June, the management team doesn't think we can prepare the players for the following season."

"We'd love to play in the Intertoto again but it's just not practical."

Kilmarnock chief executive David Heath would also like to see change.

"Our view is that if - by doing away with the winter break - we get more Saturday games and a less congested schedule in December, we will be in favour of it," said Heath.

"We had six games in December - including a midweek fixture at Aberdeen - and, with the January 2 game, it really is quite congested.

"Income is a factor as well. We had three home games in a row during December - the 7th, 15th and 21st - at a time when most people are saving for Christmas.

"There is no doubt our crowds were affected during that period as a result."

An SPL spokesman said: "We have established a football committee to look at all aspects of the SPL competition.

"Among other matters, it will discuss fixture scheduling and the winter break.

"The first meeting of this committee, which has a wide-ranging remit, will take place shortly and it will report back to the SPL board with its recommendations."