Football: Managers' reform package

ENGLAND's top managers want a mid-winter break and lengthy transfer embargoes as part of their package of reforms to revive the domestic game.

The Leeds manager, Howard Wilkinson, confirmed yesterday the initiative the League Managers' Association have already laid in front of the Premiership chief executive, Rick Parry. He was supported by Alex Ferguson, Kevin Keegan, and Joe Royle.

'We have had years of evolution, and now is the time for revolution,' Wilkinson said.

The chief requirement is to reduce the FA Carling Premiership to 18 clubs, two fewer than currently intended for 1995.

The LMA also want the season lengthened by a month to accommodate a four-week mid-season break in January. A rescheduling of the League Cup, to be completed by Christmas, is also high on the agenda. Transfers, they say should be limited to January and the close season to promote stability.

The most controversial idea is the appointment of a Director of Football with ultimate responsibility for running the professional game. The proposals would require a two-thirds majority from the Premiership clubs to be implemented.