Blackburn Rovers legend Simon Garner has slammed the decision to tour Australia.
Garner, Rovers' record league goal scorer, believes the trip could be harmful to their start to the season and admits that could then land them in unnecessary relegation trouble.
He told Lancashire Telegraph: "It is quite ironic really. You have the likes of Sam Allardyce and David Moyes talking about the risk of burn out and the fact too much is being asked of their players.
"Then they take them to far flung places of the world. Let's face it the only reason they are doing it is for financial reasons.
"I understand finances are important but surely making sure they stay, or do well, in the Premier League is even more important. I saw a stat somewhere that showed teams do struggle after long tours abroad.
"Blackburn need to start the season well, any team does, and will they be able to after a long trip to Sydney? I don't know. If they aren't though, we are going to have a long season ahead again."
