Shrewsbury Town manager Graham Turner has welcomed the upcoming Christmas fixture rush – and insisted a winter break is not essential at League Two level.

This afternoon’s home clash with Macclesfield is followed by a frantic festive period which culminates in two games in 48 hours over the New Year weekend.

And Turner – who has handed his players their festive programme which includes training on Christmas Day – believes it is right that the fans appetite for football over the holiday period is satisfied.

“It’s very much a work time,” he said.

“Supporters have proven over a period time that they want to come out for the Christmas and New Year games because they are the best supported days of the year.

“On the continent they close down for Christmas but in this country, the tradition is that supporters want to come out and watch their football on those days.

“It’s a tough programme over the Christmas and New Year period – the fixtures come thick and fast and I think that’s right and I understand the need for that.”

While Turner recognises the arguments for a mid-winter break, he is happy to see the season continue in its current unbroken format.

“When I was out of work after leaving Wolves, I watched a lot of football doing some scouting,” he added.

“Up until Christmas there was some terrific football.

“After the first Saturday in January when its the FA Cup third round, the standard dropped off.

“I thought then if there was ever going to be a winter break, it should be after that period.

“But I’m not sure, at our level anyway, a break needs to be scheduled.”