Battle of Perspectives: The Clash Between “From The Board” and Huddersfield Town

Coventry City Chief Executive Discusses Television Fixtures and Revenue Challenges

Raising Club Profile and Revenue

Coventry City Chief Executive, Dave Boddy, in his regular column published after each matchday, discusses the impact of television fixtures on the club’s revenue and fan attendance. As Boddy explains, when a fixture is selected for TV coverage, it not only raises the profile of the club but also provides an opportunity for fans who are unable to attend matches in person to watch the Sky Blues in action. The additional revenue earned through the facility fee received for broadcasting the game is crucial, especially during a time of economic strain for many clubs in the pyramid.

Reduced Attendance and Disruption for Supporters

However, Boddy acknowledges that a TV selection can sometimes result in a reduced attendance, which directly affects revenue. This, in turn, creates a challenge for the club. Boddy mentions that for the game against Huddersfield Town, the club took the decision to change the ticket price category from Category B to Category C, perhaps in response to the anticipated lower attendance due to the Monday evening slot.

Boddy empathizes with the supporters, recognizing that these fixture changes create disruption in their lives as they plan their schedules around matches. He mentions the concerns expressed by fans, particularly regarding bringing young supporters to evening matches during the school term. Additionally, the club’s Family Zone activities do not run on evenings, further impacting family attendance.

National Attention and TV Selections

Boddy highlights the increasing national attention being given to Coventry City’s progress, which has resulted in more TV selections. He comments that the number of Saturday 3pm home fixtures has dwindled, pointing out that the club currently has just three remaining of such fixtures in 2023.

The New EFL Television Deal

Boddy also touches upon the new television deal for the English Football League (EFL) with Sky Sports, set to begin in the 2024/25 campaign. Under this new five-year deal, Sky Sports will broadcast a minimum of 328 Sky Bet Championship matches each season, with five matches shown every weekend. Notably, the deal ensures that the “blocked broadcast period” between 2.45pm and 5.15pm on Saturday afternoons, known as “Article 48,” will remain unchanged. This means that main broadcast fixtures will be scheduled outside of this time frame.

Additionally, Boddy reveals that the new deal includes a commitment from Sky Sports and the EFL to provide longer notice periods for TV selections, alleviating some of the disruption caused by fixture changes.

Club and Fans at the Heart of the Game

While the economic benefits of the new TV deal are evident, Boddy emphasizes the importance of keeping the fans at the heart of the game. He acknowledges that the atmosphere and passion the fans bring to EFL football make it a spectacle to watch and should not be overlooked. Although the club appreciates the revenue generated through TV coverage, Boddy suggests that maintaining a balance between commercial interests and fan experience is crucial for the overall health of the sport.

Editorial: Balancing Commercial Interests and Fan Experience

Television coverage of football has undeniably become a central aspect of the modern game. The increased exposure offers clubs greater financial possibilities, but it also brings challenges that need to be addressed. Coventry City’s Chief Executive, Dave Boddy, raises some critical points regarding the impact of TV fixtures on both revenue and fan experience.

The Revenue Dilemma

For clubs in lower divisions, every source of revenue matters. Therefore, the additional income received from televised matches is invaluable. However, the decreased attendance resulting from fixture changes can counteract the financial benefits. Lower gate receipts not only hurt the club’s budget but also affect the overall atmosphere and energy within the stadium.

Fan Disruption and Accessibility

Boddy eloquently articulates the concerns voiced by supporters. In an era where football is heavily commercialized, fans often feel left behind as their favorite pastime becomes more tailored to television audiences. Fixture changes disrupt their plans and may prevent certain demographics, such as families or young supporters, from attending matches. This necessitates careful consideration of match scheduling to ensure accessibility and inclusivity.

The Future: A Balancing Act

As the new EFL television deal approaches, the wider question of striking a balance between commercial interests and fan experience becomes increasingly important. While the financial injection from broadcasting rights is crucial for clubs, a concerted effort should be made to protect the intimacy and traditions of the game.

Commitment to Fans

The commitment made by Sky Sports and the EFL to provide longer notice periods for TV selections is a positive step towards addressing the challenges faced by supporters when planning their attendance. By allowing fans more time to adjust their schedules, potential disruptions can be minimized.

Consideration for Tradition

Preserving traditional match times, such as the blocked broadcast period on Saturday afternoons, is vital. These timeslots have long been associated with football, and ensuring that key fixtures are scheduled outside of this period helps maintain the authenticity and heritage of the sport.

Finding a Middle Ground

Ultimately, finding a middle ground that benefits both clubs and fans is crucial. While commercial interests are a part of the modern football landscape, clubs should never forget the passion and dedication of their supporters. By actively involving fans in decision-making processes and taking their concerns into account, clubs can strike a balance that secures revenue while maintaining the essence of the beautiful game.

Advice: Prioritizing Fan Engagement and Experience

As the EFL prepares to embark on a new television deal, it is essential for all stakeholders involved to consider the following:

Open Dialogue

Football clubs should encourage open and transparent dialogue with their fanbase. Regular communication channels help establish trust and enable clubs to better understand the concerns and expectations of their supporters.

Fan Representation

Including fan representation in decision-making processes is crucial. Supporters will often bring unique perspectives and ideas that can contribute to finding solutions that benefit all parties involved.

Scheduling Considerations

Fixture changes should take into account the needs of different groups of supporters. Clubs should aim to strike a balance between evening matches and traditional weekend match times, ensuring accessibility for families and young fans, while not neglecting the passionate atmosphere created by evening kick-offs.

Investing in Matchday Experience

Clubs should continue to invest in matchday experiences that enhance fan engagement. Family zones, pre-match entertainment, and activities geared towards young supporters can help ensure a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere irrespective of fixture changes.

In summary, while television coverage undoubtedly brings financial benefits to football clubs, finding the right balance between commercial interests and fan experience is crucial. By prioritizing open dialogue, fan representation, thoughtful scheduling, and enhancing matchday experiences, football can continue to thrive while keeping its loyal supporters at the heart of the game.