Solution for next season?

[Kenny Powers]

It sounds like, IF fans are allowed back into stadiums next season, it will be limited capacity.
I honestly can't see how it would work, social distancing to get into the ground, concourse, toilets, leaving at full time etc etc.
Also, it's already apparent that it will cause arguments and resentment about who should qualify for a ticket.
Why don't the EPL and EFL put all the games, not already paid for under current TV deals, from the top 4 tiers, under auction to all the main broadcasters/streaming sites.
This way fans won't have to miss any games and the extra revenue generated could be distributed in a way that helps to plug the financial shortfall caused by the lack of fans in the stadium and help keep all teams in our football pyramid afloat.

UTB

 

[Greasy Chap Butty]

Sky have a multi year Prem deal.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Sky have a multi year Prem deal.

Only for a certain number of games per season though isn't it? I'm talking about auctioning off the games that are not covered by the current deal, including Saturday 3pm games.

 

[Russ]

Even if it’s all on terrestrial TV there’s nothing like actually being at The Lane is there.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Even if it’s all on terrestrial TV there’s nothing like actually being at The Lane is there.

Completely agree and I'd love to be allowed back from September, I just don't see how it will be feasible. Selling the additional games would mean we don't have to miss any games due to limited attendance/no away fans and would potentially soften the financial impact. UTB

 

[Pedro Verde]

Only for a certain number of games per season though isn't it? I'm talking about auctioning off the games that are not covered by the current deal, including Saturday 3pm games.

You cant show games live at 3pm on a Saturday its a given
Im sure Morcambe v Cambridge will pull in the punters
Nothing can substitute going to a live game, dont you see its TV that has ruined football

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Only for a certain number of games per season though isn't it? I'm talking about auctioning off the games that are not covered by the current deal, including Saturday 3pm games.

It dilutes the deal sky bid for and the value of their product. Also one you start showing 3pm matches live you can’t put that back in the bottle.
Bad for the lower leagues, bad for the game IMHO.

 

[Maidenhead]

Only for a certain number of games per season though isn't it? I'm talking about auctioning off the games that are not covered by the current deal, including Saturday 3pm games.

That would dilute the value of the games that sky have the rights to.

I'm pretty sure there will be something in the contracts with all the existing broadcasters preventing the screening of any additional games.

 

[Maidenhead]

It dilutes the deal sky bid for and the value of their product. Also one you start showing 3pm matches live, you can’t put that back in the bottle.
Bad for the lower leagues, bad for the game IMHO.

Beat me to it

 

[Chabuddy G]

Given the numbers and the mortality rate I find it rather pathetic

 

[nickwr37]

The Blades and others could play in The Bowl here. Full crowd allowed in as no restrictions. 3k capacity. No problem for me.

Ellan Vannin football team - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[YES Blade]

It dilutes the deal sky bid for and the value of their product. Also one you start showing 3pm matches live you can’t put that back in the bottle.
Bad for the lower leagues, bad for the game IMHO.

Would showing 3pm legally really be an issue for the lower leagues? There can’t be many neutral football fans out there that would stay in watching a match on the TV rather than attend a live match.

A good proportion of football fans will find a way to watch there team on a Saturday at 3pm anyway, so they might as well show them legally in the UK.

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Would showing 3pm legally really be an issue for the lower leagues? There can’t be many neutral football fans out there that would stay in watching a match on the TV rather than attend a live match.

A good proportion of football fans will find a way to watch there team on a Saturday at 3pm anyway, so they might as well show them legally in the UK.

Yes it would and at a time when they may be desperate for them.
There’s nothing wrong with no being able to see games at 3, so why change it? It’s only going to be for a season and as you say if you really want to you can anyway.

 

[YES Blade]

Yes it would and at a time when they may be desperate for them.
There’s nothing wrong with no being able to see games at 3, so why change it? It’s only going to be for a season and as you say if you really want to you can anyway.

How does it effect lower league clubs exactly?

The 3pm Saturday blackout results in United missing out on further revenue due to fans watching matches on illegal internet streams rather than paying for a legal service. That’s what’s wrong with it.

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

How does it effect lower league clubs exactly?

because people would stop in to watch ManCity, Man Utd, and Liverpool rather than heading out to lower league games. What does it hurt by not showing it?

The 3pm Saturday blackout results in United missing out on further revenue due to fans watching matches on illegal internet streams rather than paying for a legal service. That’s what’s wrong with it.

What revenues are United missing? People watching on streams next season if we’re not allowed in doesn’t impact United’s revenue in any way shape or form.

 

[BettingBlade]

It’s all heading to a central EPL streaming platform anyway. Which means sky will either pump money into the football league which could give lower league clubs a much needed revenue boost....or it could go tits up like the itv digital deal did 20 odd years ago.

 

[Kenny Powers]

You cant show games live at 3pm on a Saturday its a given
Im sure Morcambe v Cambridge will pull in the punters
Nothing can substitute going to a live game, dont you see its TV that has ruined football

Obviously, the preference would be to attend, however, that looks increasingly unlikely in the short to mid term. I'm sure most fans, given the choice of some games available on TV or all games on TV (whilst covid prevents attendance) would go with all games, it seems pretty obvious to me!
Prior to covid we can't show Saturday 3pm games, but that rule has recently been relaxed, as such I imagine it can and will be extended into next season if punters can't attend. If fans can't watch in the stadium or on TV, what's the point in playing! UTB

 

[Kenny Powers]

It dilutes the deal sky bid for and the value of their product. Also one you start showing 3pm matches live you can’t put that back in the bottle.
Bad for the lower leagues, bad for the game IMHO.

Why does it dilute Sky's deal? They still get exactly what they pay for, with the bonus of more viewers whilst people can't attend the matches. The added benefit is that they have the opportunity to buy more games to broadcast and the associated advertising slots. UTB

 

[Kenny Powers]

That would dilute the value of the games that sky have the rights to.

I'm pretty sure there will be something in the contracts with all the existing broadcasters preventing the screening of any additional games.

Perhaps it could be pointed out to them that we are currently in the midst of a global pandemic and that it might be in everyone's interest to make a few amendments to the terms of the contract.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Would showing 3pm legally really be an issue for the lower leagues? There can’t be many neutral football fans out there that would stay in watching a match on the TV rather than attend a live match.

A good proportion of football fans will find a way to watch there team on a Saturday at 3pm anyway, so they might as well show them legally in the UK.

My thoughts exactly. Never once, when we were in league 1, did I think, I'll not bother going to the match because Man U v Arsenal is on TV. I'm sure 99.9% of fans would be the same. UTB

 

[Kenny Powers]

Yes it would and at a time when they may be desperate for them.
There’s nothing wrong with no being able to see games at 3, so why change it? It’s only going to be for a season and as you say if you really want to you can anyway.

The 3pm Saturday rule seems so arbitrary and dated now that games are effectively screened 7 days a week. Whats the difference between showing a game at 1230 or 1730 on Saturday or 3pm. People who are determined to watch on TV at 3pm on Saturday will watch free of charge on an illegal stream if a suitable legal option isn't provided. Also what about away games? We get roughly 3k tickets, meaning 25-27k fans have no legal way of watching us play away from home if it's a 3pm Saturday kick off!

 

[Kenny Powers]

because people would stop in to watch ManCity, Man Utd, and Liverpool rather than heading out to lower league games. What does it hurt by not showing it?


What revenues are United missing? People watching on streams next season if we’re not allowed in doesn’t impact United’s revenue in any way shape or form.

No they wouldn't, what a ridiculous notion. Did you skip watching our games in league 1 to watch Man Utd on Sky what difference is it if the games are played/shown on Saturday, Tuesday, Sunday etc. Surely if this was a problem, the majority of grounds would be empty for all games not at 3pm on Saturday?

 

[YES Blade]

No they wouldn't, what a ridiculous notion. Did you skip watching our games in league 1 to watch Man Utd on Sky what difference is it if the games are played/shown on Saturday, Tuesday, Sunday etc. Surely if this was a problem, the majority of grounds would be empty for all games not at 3pm on Saturday?

Exactly this, why aren’t midweek matches in League One/Two played in front of one man and his dog when there is a Champions League match on TV?

I give my money to Sheffield United, I’d imagine 99% of our fans are the same. I don’t start watching Doncaster, Chesterfield or Sheffield FC if United aren’t playing.

 

[Cerberus Blade]

It sounds like, IF fans are allowed back into stadiums next season, it will be limited capacity.
I honestly can't see how it would work, social distancing to get into the ground, concourse, toilets, leaving at full time etc etc.
Also, it's already apparent that it will cause arguments and resentment about who should qualify for a ticket.
Why don't the EPL and EFL put all the games, not already paid for under current TV deals, from the top 4 tiers, under auction to all the main broadcasters/streaming sites.
This way fans won't have to miss any games and the extra revenue generated could be distributed in a way that helps to plug the financial shortfall caused by the lack of fans in the stadium and help keep all teams in our football pyramid afloat.

UTB

The solution for next season isn't a sporting one. It's not even a medical one. It's a political one.

Scrap social distancing altogether - then the problem is solved.

That's all that needs to happen.

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Why does it dilute Sky's deal? They still get exactly what they pay for, with the bonus of more viewers whilst people can't attend the matches. The added benefit is that they have the opportunity to buy more games to broadcast and the associated advertising slots. UTB

Because there’s a value in its exclusivity. Why should Sky agree to have more games they don’t control, there was a set number of games for sale when they bid, and now you’re changing the deal?

My thoughts exactly. Never once, when we were in league 1, did I think, I'll not bother going to the match because Man U v Arsenal is on TV. I'm sure 99.9% of fans would be the same. UTB

It’s not fans that are likely to be posting on here, we have a decent fan base due to our size. League clubs will also have a core following but will also have a lot more floating fans. That’s is increased even more for non-league.
It just selfishness of the fans of the biggest league, which now some of our fans are happy to buy into. Why must all our games be live on TV, surely there’s enough as there’s live matches on pretty much every day?

Perhaps it could be pointed out to them that we are currently in the midst of a global pandemic and that it might be in everyone's interest to make a few amendments to the terms of the contract.

Best interests, but our fans can’t possibly miss out on watching it live in the best interests of themselves, even though there are methods should they really want to?
This all seems to be coming from a very selfish angle. You want to watch it, therefore it should be shown regardless of what the impact may be on less fortunate clubs.
Why do all these games have to be shown? What’s the huge negative impact of some fans having to listen to it on the radio and catching up at 9:00 on sky or MOTD for a season?

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Exactly this, why aren’t midweek matches in League One/Two played in front of one man and his dog when there is a Champions League match on TV?

I give my money to Sheffield United, I’d imagine 99% of our fans are the same. I don’t start watching Doncaster, Chesterfield or Sheffield FC if United aren’t playing.

What about lower down the pyramid?
Also how many young kids naturally support the big Premier League teams and why is that?
If all games can be seen live from the Premier League who do you think the next generation will support and follow if they don’t have someone to take them? Sheffield United, Chesterfield, Rotherham or the teams that have the best players in the world and win the highest profile tournaments? If you can watch all the games live without attending then why bother following a side who doesn’t have all the best players and is winning most weeks?
I’m in my 40s and every one I know who didn’t either get taken to games, or had someone to influence them supports Liverpool. Those in their 30s support Man Utd and I’ve started to talk to a few Chelsea fans sprinkled about too. Giving these teams even more exposure will only increase that.
The most successful teams will always peak interest in watching the game, but if you have local matches when the big teams aren’t on the TV that you can attend, then that is the lifeblood of the depth of our leagues.

It’s depressing how quickly some of our fans are buying into the Premier League narrative to the long term detriment of our own club.
Why can’t there be a 150 window, once a week on a Saturday afternoon where football can’t be shown live on TV to encourage live attendance?

..and all because some of us won’t be able to go to the matches for a few months.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Because there’s a value in its exclusivity. Why should Sky agree to have more games they don’t control, there was a set number of games for sale when they bid, and now you’re changing the deal?


It’s not fans that are likely to be posting on here, we have a decent fan base due to our size. League clubs will also have a core following but will also have a lot more floating fans. That’s is increased even more for non-league.
It just selfishness of the fans of the biggest league, which now some of our fans are happy to buy into. Why must all our games be live on TV, surely there’s enough as there’s live matches on pretty much every day?

Best interests, but our fans can’t possibly miss out on watching it live in the best interests of themselves, even though there are methods should they really want to?
This all seems to be coming from a very selfish angle. You want to watch it, therefore it should be shown regardless of what the impact may be on less fortunate clubs.
Why do all these games have to be shown? What’s the huge negative impact of some fans having to listen to it on the radio and catching up at 9:00 on sky or MOTD for a season?

Selfish, because we are now in the Prem....not at all and quite presumptuous on your part. I'm not sure if it was your intention, but, your message comes across as quite judgemental and condescending.
Do you honestly believe that Sky wouldn't snap the leagues hand off for the opportunity to show more games? Sky do not only buy a number of games because that's all they want, they buy the maximum they are allowed.
Also, in the situation I mentioned, whereby fans are not allowed into grounds or the attendance is severely restricted, how will broadcasting more games or Saturday 3pm games negatively impact lower league clubs? If anything, done in the right way, some of the additional revenue could be filtered down to help clubs struggling with no match day income.
I held exactly the same view when we were crap in league 1.
Most fans prefer the atmosphere, thrill and involvement of been there in person and feeling like part of the game. Anyone who would choose to watch Man U on TV as opposed to their own team live, is nothing like any of the fans that I know.
As mentioned above, why is this impact not felt when Champions league games are shown live in mid-week?
UTB

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

You’ve not answered why 3pm Saturday games have to be live. Why can’t people catch it up on Sky or MOTD for one day?

 

[Kenny Powers]

What about lower down the pyramid?
Also how many young kids naturally support the big Premier League teams and why is that?
If all games can be seen live from the Premier League who do you think the next generation will support and follow if they don’t have someone to take them? Sheffield United, Chesterfield, Rotherham or the teams that have the best players in the world and win the highest profile tournaments? If you can watch all the games live without attending then why bother following a side who doesn’t have all the best players and is winning most weeks?
I’m in my 40s and every one I know who didn’t either get taken to games, or had someone to influence them supports Liverpool. Those in their 30s support Man Utd and I’ve started to talk to a few Chelsea fans sprinkled about too. Giving these teams even more exposure will only increase that.
The most successful teams will always peak interest in watching the game, but if you have local matches when the big teams aren’t on the TV that you can attend, then that is the lifeblood of the depth of our leagues.

It’s depressing how quickly some of our fans are buying into the Premier League narrative to the long term detriment of our own club.
Why can’t there be a 150 window, once a week on a Saturday afternoon where football can’t be shown live on TV to encourage live attendance?

..and all because some of us won’t be able to go to the matches for a few months.

You are completely missing the point, what's been suggested is a unique solution to a unique and hopefully temporary situation.
Your argument about the next generation of fans who "have nobody to take them" makes no sense to me. If nobody can take them to the match, meaning that they can't attend, why shouldn't they be given an opportunity to watch the game on TV? My view is that, if all games can be shown legally, the people you mention, along with many others who are unable to attend, will have the opportunity to watch and support their club.
You previously mentioned "selfishness" I would put it to you that it may be selfish to insist that we keep a dated system which precludes many people from attending home games and far more from attending away games.
I have elderly relatives who are very poorly and are unable to attend games anymore. They attended every game for over 60 years prior to ill health. Do you not think that it would be a nice idea to put something in place to enable them to continue watching the Blades from their armchair?
Apart from anything else, why shouldn't people be given free will to decide how they want to spend their time and money?
Times are changing and like it or not, we either change with it or fall behind. UTB

 

[Kenny Powers]

You’ve not answered why 3pm Saturday games have to be live. Why can’t people catch it up on Sky or MOTD for one day?

Because the majority of people prefer to watch live, may have a bet and won't want to accidentally find out the result before they watch. Why should 3pm Saturday be treated any different to any other day? Football is broadcast live 7 days a week.
UTB