Skip to main content
The Morning Star 2026 Conference
‘Cut out time-wasting this season - it’s killing the game’
PAUL DONOVAN expresses his frustrations with deliberate time wasting in the professional game, ahead of the new season
Referee Anthony Taylor (centre) shows a yellow card to Chelsea's Kai Havertz for simulation during the Emirates FA Cup semi final match at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday April 17, 2022.

THE new football season is set to kick off in a couple of weeks — some will think it has never been away.

There is the usual buzz of anticipation from the fans, as clubs recruit new players and let others go. Who will be the winners and losers?

This will be a different season, starting earlier, then breaking for a month in November, while the World Cup is being played.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Auckland City's Gerard Garriga cools off under the sprinklers during a water break in the Club World Cup Group C soccer match between Auckland City and Boca Juniors in Nashville, Tenn., June 24, 2025
Men’s football / 18 July 2025
18 July 2025

With climate change, commercial overload and endless fixtures, footballers are being pushed to breaking point. It’s time their unions became a more powerful, unified force, writes JAMES NALTON

An Arsenal branded corner flag
Men’s football / 2 May 2025
2 May 2025

In the shadow of Heathrow and glow of Thorpe Park, a band of Arsenal loyalists have built something lasting — a grassroots club with old-school values, writes LAYTH YOUSIF

Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans celebrates after the Premier L
Men’s Football / 6 April 2025
6 April 2025
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou
Men’s football / 5 April 2025
5 April 2025