NeilMcD
16/08/2005, 2:33 PM
Newcastle manager Graeme Souness has criticised the scheduling of this week's friendly internationals.
He told Newcastle's website: "Part of me is angry about the timing of these games. They are Mickey Mouse games, and I've got six or seven players away.
"You will not find a manager who thinks it is a good idea to play these games a week into the new season.
"The players return to the club on Friday and have a day to prepare for a Premiership game. It is not right."
Newcastle kicked off their Premiership campaign with a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday.
They take on West Ham in their first home game of the season this weekend.
And Souness has had to lead training without the likes of Shay Given, Stephen Carr, Jermaine Jenas, James Milner, Emre, Jean-Alain Boumsong and Amdy Faye.
"The players are still finding their feet in the Premiership, then they're taken away from their clubs for a meaningless game," Souness added.
"It's not fair on the paying customer, not just at Newcastle but right up and down the country.
"What can we do in terms of preparation without six or seven players who will be involved at the weekend? No way is it right."
He told Newcastle's website: "Part of me is angry about the timing of these games. They are Mickey Mouse games, and I've got six or seven players away.
"You will not find a manager who thinks it is a good idea to play these games a week into the new season.
"The players return to the club on Friday and have a day to prepare for a Premiership game. It is not right."
Newcastle kicked off their Premiership campaign with a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday.
They take on West Ham in their first home game of the season this weekend.
And Souness has had to lead training without the likes of Shay Given, Stephen Carr, Jermaine Jenas, James Milner, Emre, Jean-Alain Boumsong and Amdy Faye.
"The players are still finding their feet in the Premiership, then they're taken away from their clubs for a meaningless game," Souness added.
"It's not fair on the paying customer, not just at Newcastle but right up and down the country.
"What can we do in terms of preparation without six or seven players who will be involved at the weekend? No way is it right."