Having been past their nice offices in the City a couple of weeks ago maybe we should produce some leaflets with a map to help them find Welling, which we could hand out to the people of work there.
On a serious point it would be costly for any broadcaster to film at Welling. There are no high vantage points and even erecting scaffolding and a platform would be difficult (in the past it was done above the side terrace, not an option now). You can only film from one side and both ends, again space is very limited and decent gas/fluid powered tripods and cameras take up quite a bit of room. There is no existing space for a technical gallery so it would be have to be recorded and mixed in a broadcast truck, then you would need a satellite truck for transmission (charged per 15 minute slot) and a decent generator supplying 32a 3-phase. All of this is possible but it wouldn't be cost effective on BT Sport. If we had a big cup game the viewing figures and/or adverts may cover the expense of filming but for league games I can't see it myself.
It is our own fault, and that of the Council who own the ground, that it isn't up to scratch for TV. This won't change in the short-term, too costly.
However, there is no acceptable reason for them not to therefore show us in an away game. The integrity of the competition, and fairness where possible to all clubs, should dictate that, as should the terms of their involvement contractually. Sky have an obligation to show every club. Sure, some get shown more than other because of the audience numbers for Man Utd being greater than Stoke for example, but all clubs must be shown.
Why is it not the same for us? That is the complaint in my eyes, not that we haven't had a home game as they'll bat that one back at us saying the ground, rightly, isn't up to scratch.
Dartford v Welling on a Tuesday night should, could and would, be a good game for them to show.
This is getting ridiculous. BT need to give a written explain action as to why they're discriminating against is as this is giving an unfair financial advantage to our competitors.
This is getting ridiculous. BT need to give a written explain action as to why they're discriminating against is as this is giving an unfair financial advantage to our competitors.
No they don't. They can do as they want. They pick fixtures to claim maximum viewing figures. I thought Torquay's first home game might have been of interest but how many non Welling supporters would rush home to see us on the box?
The majority of the viewing figures are from the pubs. At end of the day it's live football for the neutral.
Same as when Sky Sports used to show Conference Premier football on a Monday night. Most of the time it was the only thing worth watching on a Monday night.
