Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen has welcomed the new format for the Scottish League Cup but would like a longer winter break.
As part of the overhaul of the competition, next season will start on July 16 and Scottish football will take a fortnight’s break in the winter.
Paatelainen believes the authorities deserve credit for trying something different but, ideally, he would prefer a month-long winter break.
He said: “You don’t know when the weather in Scotland is going to turn bad so it’s a tricky one as far as the timing goes.
“However, for a winter break I would welcome at least four weeks, while any more than that would be too much.
“That might be something I would like to try.
“I am sure some fans will disagree but I think other supporters would welcome it.
“It is expensive for people to travel just after Christmas and the New Year so that would give them a little breather.
“It is difficult to fit the fixtures in but I don’t mind this change at all.
“We should try something different and new.
“I want to be open-minded. If you don’t try something you don’t know how it will be.
“It is good that we are not just doing the same old stuff for hundreds of years.”
The new League Cup group stages will start on July 16 next summer, which is usually the time United and others would either be abroad at a training camp or playing pre-season friendlies.
It will be a tight turnaround but, having been tipped off about the revamp by his chairman Stephen Thompson, Paatelainen is already ahead of the game.
The Finn said: “There will still be enough of a break for the players in the summer, probably around four weeks.
“That won’t be a problem.
“Yes, it is the traditional time for teams to have pre-season games and maybe go abroad to prepare but I don’t have any problem with it.
“There will still be plenty of time for friendlies and to get the players ready.
“I estimate it will be just a week or so earlier for the return than usual.
“So it’s no big deal.
“Our chairman warned me a couple of weeks ago about it and we have prepared accordingly.
“I have made plans for the summer already.
“It’s good to get away with the squad to be all together and do your work, playing possibly one or two matches.”