SKY SPORTS gave fans a revelatory behind-the-scenes insight in their first EFL Access All Areas live match – including dressing room cameras and interviews in bed.
The broadcaster showed Wycombe’s League One clash with Portsmouth on Sunday lunchtime.
But rather than the usual coverage viewers may be used to, Sky were able to offer plenty more than just the thrills and spills on the pitch.
Arguably the best part of the Access All Areas footage was being able to listen in to the referee meeting with the managers and captains on the pitch.
Scott Oldham explained what he expected from his skippers – to help them manage their team-mates – and the gaffers – to allow the fourth official to do his job without having his ear chewed off.
Cameras in the dressing room – think All or Nothing vibes – allowed Chairboys and Pompey supporters to watch Gareth Ainsworth and Danny Cowley remonstrate with his players and give out their final instructions.
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Wisely, though, the microphones were not switched on – preventing any fruity language being pumped through the speakers of sitting rooms across the nation on a Sunday lunchtime.
But Sky needed the mics plugged in to talk to the managers and even some of the players during the match – with both bosses generous with their time to help the coverage succeed.
The TV presenter and pundits did their opening analysis to preview the game not in a studio or pitchside – but in one of the Adams Park lounges as the VIP guests milled around before kick-off.
That also enabled interviews with board members and directors in the boardroom.
The strangest pre-match chat possibly ever conducted, though, featured long-serving Sky reporter David Craig suited and booted tucked into a pitchside bed, complete with a box of sweet treats and heated blankets.
The lucky – or unlucky – fan had won a competition with Dreams to get the unique experience for his family to enjoy a game from the comfort and warmth of a giant duvet and pillows, while still enjoying all the sights, sounds and smells of live EFL football action.
In the end it was the home fans and Ainsworth who came away happiest with Wycombe running out 2-0 winners.
And the dugout cam ensured everyone watching on the telly got the perfect view of the Wycombe boss’ flowing locks, leather jacket and £200 lucky red snakeskin boots celebrating the second goal that sealed all three points.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
