SAM Allardyce has launched a fresh appeal for football's power brokers to give club managers a say in the big decisions which shape the game's future.
The Wanderers' boss says football is the loser because League Managers' Association boss John Barnwell is not involved when the movers and shakers meet to draw up the rules that dictate the way his members go about their business.
"As a body, we're always trying to have a greater input on most things but John finds it very difficult to even be allowed in, more often than not." he complained.
"Considering we have the good of the game at heart we should have a little more say but our involvement is usually on an invitation basis. We have no influence on major decisions, which is one of the most disturbing aspects of the game for me.
"Our professional opinion doesn't seem to carry any clout. The players have a voice through the PFA but I don't think anybody really takes us that seriously, which is a shame.
"We just don't have a vote or any influence with the Football League, the Premier League and the Football Association."
Allardyce, an active member of the LMA, refuses to be silenced when the authorities impose rules he believes are ill-advised or ill-timed. But he knows that, until managers are given a platform to air their views, they will struggle to have any influence.
He has virtually given up hope of getting the transfer window system scrapped but believes the Premiership should fall in line with the major leagues on the continent by adopting a mid-winter break to allow English clubs to create fairer competition in the transfer market.
"It's very difficult for the FA to change something that's in operation all over Europe." he accepts. "Maybe in three years' time we'll have learned to live with it (the transfer window). Change happens all the time but sometimes change is not good for the game and can be detrimental to clubs, supporters and players.
"I don't see any benefit in the transfer window system but, if we have to have it, a winter break would help. If we can't change it, at least give us some help while the system's in place. Give us a breather."
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