More stories

  • in

    Premier League’s four-year £6.7billion TV deal is testimony to the world’s greatest game

    THE Premier League’s four-year £6.7billion TV deal is testimony to the world’s greatest game.Sky and TNT have already proved that they can provide football programmes of the highest quality, with no expense spared.
    The Premier League has signed a four-year TV deal worth £6.7bnCredit: Reuters
    Although BBC and ITV produce very watchable programmes, they don’t have the reserves to challenge the contract winners for the four seasons starting from 2025-26.
    Yes, it is a lot of money, too. And a good slice of that will find its way through the football pyramid, as well as to many good causes.
    There will be grumbles about the amount, of course there will.Mostly from those who are green with envy.
    I suspect they are not jealous of what we have but more of what they can’t have.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    But those moans won’t come from the EFL as they are expecting to have a share of the money by tapping into the goodwill of the Premier League, this despite the fact that most will never play in the Prem — or contribute to it.
    But there’s no doubt that all the EFL’s interlocked divisions are very important to our game, not even mega-rich sheikhs or US billionaires are altogether ignorant of this — although it might be regarded as well below the status of a fourth wife or a racecourse stable.
    I suspect a shortly-to-be-appointed football regulator will be anxious to make a mark on the divvy-out of television earnings, otherwise known as a tax.
    To do this though, they will need some very ­specific primary legislation to take away a ­commercial organisation’s cash to give it to a competitor, otherwise known as nationalisation.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    The regulator may cough and splutter all it likes but it has got to be aware that over-interference by such Government appointments has dangers in a similar way that welcomes to VAR have turned to hatred of delays and ridiculous rulings by people who think they see better but don’t.
    The new deal will help withstand the sweet talk of those barons of foreign clubs who, well aware of the success of the Premier League, tried and went much too close to forming a closed European Super League with six of our best.
    Some on the Continent still dream of potential supremacy, rather in the way of a fascist or communist government in waiting.
    The Premier League steams ahead, a massively successful organisation whose enterprise shames too many others in this country.
    No wonder that big businessmen want to butt in — Americans, Chinese, Arab States, even one or two Englishmen.
    And the world watches, too. The league has the biggest viewing figures of them all, and a number of different TV contracts abroad.
    Have no doubts, Fifa and Uefa see it as serious competition, which is why they simply love the idea of a UK regulator as they hope that will make the Prem less investable, less competitive and less agile.
    Let’s hope they are wrong.
    The Premier League is multi-nationalCredit: Getty
    English football has been dragged into multi-national eminence in the 30 years since the PL was founded.
    Dozens of countries are represented in teams to the extent that when, for instance, two South Koreans feature among the leading scorers — Son Heung-min of Tottenham and Wolves striker Hwang Hee-chan —  no one here makes a point of it.
    It happens, full stop, new paragraph.
    Our clubs will stay top of the world’s watch list and continue to be a major industry, currently employing 94,000 people. That must not make the league a cash cow.
    Indeed, I have one or two reservations, in particular, that the increase from our current agreement is under the rate of inflation — and with 13 or 14 Premier League clubs all making a loss at the moment, I apologise if we are a  little slow in cracking open the champagne.
    This should be underlined by the fact that, quite simply, players’ contracts seem to be increasing at the same rate of inflation in Venezuela, some 360 per cent!
    Which is why the net debt of Prem clubs amounts to £2.67bn.Dust-dry information perhaps, but a worry in boardrooms.
    Still, as Hammers vice-chairman, I am proud that the league contributes £7.6bn to the wider UK economy.
    Read more on The Sun
    And volumes to audiences everywhere.
    It has to be one of the UK greatest exports — let’s hope it stays that way. More

  • in

    BBC and ITV picks for FA Cup third round revealed as fuming fans say ‘ridiculous.. who wants to watch them?’

    THE kick-off times and dates for the FA Cup third round have been released. With fans not happy about what fixtures have been selected for TV coverage.
    Spurs vs Burnley has been controversially chosen for TVCredit: PA
    Alfreton Town won’t get a mega-money payday should they beat Walsall in a replayCredit: Getty
    Matches will be on BBC and ITVCredit: @EmiratesFACup
    It all gets underway on January 4 as Crystal Palace welcome fellow Premier League side Everton at 8pm on ITV4.
    The match is scheduled for Thursday after talks with the Metropolitan Police.
    Cops were concerned due to ten London teams being drawn at home in the third round, stretching their resources.
    The day after, Tottenham face Burnley in another all Prem tie that gets underway at 8pm on ITV1.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The local derby between Sunderland and Newcastle kicks-off at 12.45pm on Saturday 6 January – another selected by ITV.
    With the 3pm blackout in place, the next instalment for fans will be at 5:30pm on BBC One as Middlesbrough entertain Aston Villa.
    The jam-packed weekend slows down with just one match live on Sunday – but it is a big one with Arsenal taking on Liverpool at the Emirates at 4:30pm on BBC One.
    And the third round will come to a close on Monday night at 8.15pm as Wigan play Manchester United on ITV1.
    Most read in FA Cup
    Maidstone United, who play in the sixth tier, will not be shown as they face Stevenage or Port Vale.
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    And non-league Alfreton Town need to overcome Walsall in a replay to earn a trip to Southampton – but that will also not be shown on tele.
    The selections made by the broadcasters have been slammed by fans as the lower league clubs have been snubbed from a mega-money payday.
    One said: “This is scandalous. Give the non-league teams some air time! I’d much rather watch Maidstone vs Port Vale/Stevenage than Tottenham vs Burnley. Disgraceful.”
    Another added: “My oh my they are stinking ties why are they selected for TV?”
    A third fumed: “What happened to the magic of the cup and giving lower league clubs a platform?”
    More commented: “Ridiculous who wants to watch them?”
    FA CUP THIRD-ROUND DRAW IN FULL
    Read more on The Sun

    Luton vs Bolton
    Shrewsbury vs Wrexham or Yeovill
    Arsenal vs Liverpool
    Stoke vs Brighton
    Norwich vs Crewe Alexandra
    West Ham vs Bristol City
    Tottenham vs Burnley
    Fulham vs Rotherham
    West Brom vs Aldershot or Stockport
    Southampton vs Alfreton or Walsall
    AFC Wimbledon or Ramsgate vs Ipswich
    Peterborough vs Leeds
    Millwall vs Leicester
    Watford vs Chesterfield or Leyton Orient
    Sunderland vs Newcastle
    Sheffield Wednesday vs Cardiff City
    Crystal Palace vs Everton
    Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa
    Nottingham Forest vs Blackpool or Forest Green Rovers
    Wigan vs Man Utd
    Man City vs Huddersfield
    Blackburn vs Cambridge
    Gillingham vs Sheffield United
    Swansea City vs Morecambe
    Chelsea vs Preston North End
    QPR vs Bournemouth
    Coventry City vs Oxford United
    Brentford vs Wolves
    Plymouth Argyle vs Sutton United
    Maidstone United vs Stevenage or Port Vale
    Newport County or Barnet vs Eastleigh or Reading
    Hull City vs Birmingham City More

  • in

    Euro 2024 TV schedule confirmed as BBC and ITV split coverage of England matches

    ITV AND BBC have announced their Euro 2024 TV coverage schedule.The tournament kicks off on June 14.
    ITV and BBC have announced their TV coverage of Euro 2024Credit: AFP
    England’s group for next summer’s Euros
    England recently discovered who they would face in the group stage for the tournament, drawing Denmark, Slovenia and Serbia in Group C.
    And the Three Lions have now found out what time they will be playing and on what broadcaster they will be shown.
    Gareth Southgate’s side will kick off their tournament with a 8pm clash against Serbia on BBC on June 16.
    Game two will see England play Denmark at 5pm on BBC on June 20.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    England’s final group stage game against Slovenia will be on June 25 at 8pm on ITV.
    Fellow home nation side Scotland have also discovered when they play their games.
    Scotland’s clash with hosts Germany in Group A kick starts the tournament as a whole and will be shown at 8pm on ITV.
    Their second game will be five day later on June 19 against Switzerland at 8pm on BBC.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    Game three against Hungary will be shown on BBC at 8pm.
    ITV will have the first three picks, plus the fifth and seventh picks from the Round of 16 fixtures.
    BBC will then have the first and third picks for the quarter-finals with ITV then getting the first pick for the semi-final.
    Both broadcasters will show the final.
    Should Wales qualify into Group D through Play-off A, BBC will cover their opening game against the Netherlands on June 16 at 2pm.
    ITV will show the next game against Austria at 5pm on June 21 before their final game versus France is shown on BBC at 5pm.
    The Euro 2024 group stage draw in full More

  • in

    Who does Clive Tyldesley commentate for now?

    CLIVE TYLDESLEY is one of the most iconic football commentators of all time.The 69-year-old has commentated on some of the biggest games in the sport such as the Champions League and World Cup finals – but who does he currently work for?
    Clive Tyldesley working alongside Andy Townsend for ITV at Euro 2012Credit: GETTY
    Who does Clive Tyldesley commentate for now?
    Clive Tyldesley is currently working for ITV Sport, Amazon Prime Video, Rangers TV and CBS Sports in the USA.
    The legendary broadcaster was demoted from being ITV’s lead commentator back in 2020.
    Since then he has been heard covering the Champions League overseas for CBS Sports.
    Tyldesley is also working for Amazon Prime Video this season commentating on selected Premier League games.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    He will be on commentary duties at Bramall Lane on December 6th as Sheffield United host Liverpool.
    The 69-year-old has regularly commentated on games for Rangers TV since he joined in 2020.
    Tyldesley has also worked on talkSPORT’s radio coverage of the Premier League before leaving in the summer of 2023.
    Why did Clive Tyldesley leave the 2022 World Cup early?
    Tyldesley left the World Cup in Qatar early after he found out that he would not be commentating on a live quarter-final for ITV.
    Most read in Football
    The 69-year-old was the broadcaster’s lead commentator for 22 years between 1998 and 2020, before being replaced by Sam Matterface.
    According to the Mail, Tyldesley decided to fly home after only being asked to provide commentary for a highlights show during the quarter-finals. More

  • in

    Laura Woods shares ‘wholesome’ moment from BBC FA Cup coverage leaving reporter’s ‘heart so full’

    LAURA WOODS made a reporter’s day by sharing a heartwarming throwback snap.The ITV and TNT Sports star was tagged in an amazing career fast-forward post by BBC London’s Ahmed Nur on Monday night.
    Laura Woods led ITV’s coverage of AFC Wimbledon’s FA Cup clash with RamsgateCredit: PA
    Woods was reunited with BBC reporter Ahmed Nur, who she met six years ago when he worked at WembleyCredit: INSTAGRAM@LAURAWOODS
    Nur’s Instagram story post included a selfie of himself and Woods in a lift six years ago, alongside a snap of them covering AFC Wimbledon’s FA Cup clash with Ramsgate.
    The pair were the picture of happiness as they posed for the pitchside photo, which had an inspirational accompanying caption.
    “2017 in a lift. 2023 in a cold Wimbledon. Tonight was fun. Cheers @laurawoodsy.”
    Woods, 36, was all too happy to share with her own 752,000 Instagram followers.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    She wrote below the re-shared story: “This was very wholesome.
    “Met Ahmed when I was reporting on NFL and he was working at Wembley.
    “Now he works for BBC London. Chuffed to see you @ahmednur94.”
    Nur was buzzing with the reshare, sharing it on his story and writing: “Heart is so full.”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    Laura Woods and Ahmed Nur watched AFC Wimledon thump Ramsgate 5-0Credit: PA
    Woods isn’t the only high-profile figure Nur has met at a footie stadium.
    The Beeb reporter has also met former Manchester United and England skipper David Beckham.
    Woods and Nur watched AFC Wimbledon end the third-round hopes of eighth-tier Ramsgate FC with a ruthless 5-0 win over the minnows.
    Ramsgate boss Ben Smith was proud as punch of his team’s efforts, telling the BBC: “You saw the difference in level, in their physicality.
    “When they pressed, it was a proper press, strong and aggressive.
    “They’ve not disrespected us, they’ve taken it professionally and shown what a great club it is, had us watched and done all the right things.
    “I told people before the game if we kept it under six I’d be very happy. I know it sounds defeatist but you have to be realistic as well.
    “The lads in our dressing room are at the end of their careers, we’re four leagues below and they’re a full-time outfit – they should be doing that.
    Read More on The Sun
    “There were little spells where we gave a good account of ourselves but it was naivety.
    “We weren’t going to change the way we play, and I’m proud of the players for sticking to it.” More

  • in

    Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer reveal their BBC FA Cup TV picks and explain how matches are shared with ITV

    ALAN SHEARER is hoping to be at Newcastle’s FA Cup clash with rivals Sunerland – either as a fan or pundit. The Tyne–Wear derby unsurprisingly caught the eye of Newcastle legend Shearer and his Match of The Day co-host.
    Alan Shearer is hoping to be at Newcastle’s FA Cup clash with rivals SunerlandCredit: Getty
    Lineker said on the The Rest is Football podcast: “Sunderland versus Newcastle! It’s been a while since one of those.”
    Shearer responded: “I’ve already sent the text message off asking for tickets! What a draw it was, brilliant.
    “Arsenal versus Liverpool and Sunderland versus Newcastle – amazing! Can’t wait. Something to look forward too.”
    Shearer will either be in the punditry box or there watching with the Toon army as Lineker revealed BBC and ITV will pick the game up.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    He said: “We’ll be doing one of those games, because we obviously alternate with picks with ITV.”
    It will be the first Tyne–Wear derby since 2016 – which ended a draw – and Shearer has already spoken to BBC bosses to try a secure the match rights.
    He said: “I’ve already been on to the top guys about that Gary, we know Arsenal and Liverpool are going to play reserve sides we might as well do Sunderland and Newcastle where we know that no one can really afford to be beaten and won’t put reserve sides out.”
    But Lineker hit back: “No I’ve told them we should do Arsenal versus Liverpool because it’s very cold up north!”
    Most read in FA Cup
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    Shearer responded: “Oh f*** off, we don’t want that.”
    The pair broke out into laughter and Lineker said: “No I haven’t, don’t worry!”
    Elsewhere, Chelsea welcome Preston North End, Manchester United travel to Wigan and City play Huddersfield at home.
    Gary Lineker revealed how BBC and ITV alternate FA Cup gamesCredit: Alamy More

  • in

    ‘Gutted’ England star Mary Earps in tears and is consoled by team-mates after letting in soft goal in Netherlands win

    ENGLAND goalkeeper Mary Earps claimed she “let the team down” after making an error during the Lionesses’ 3-2 win over Netherlands on Friday.The World Cup golden glove winner left the pitch in tears at full-time despite England’s late comeback.
    Mary Earps was in tears after the matchCredit: Getty
    The goalkeeper was consoled by Sarina Wiegman and Alessia RussoCredit: Reuters
    Sarina Wiegman’s side had to win the match by at least two goals to keep their Nations League hopes alive and take control at the top of Group A1.
    However, with the team already 1-0 down in the 35th minute, Earps let Lineth Beerensteyn’s shot slip through her gloves and into the net.
    The Lionesses were able to turn the match on its head after half time thanks to goals from Georgia Stanway, Lauren Hemp and Ella Toone.
    But with one game still to play, England’s fate in the competition is now out of their hands.
    Read More on the Lionesses
    Earps could not hide her disappointment after the match as she was consoled by her team-mates.
    And in a post-match interview with ITV, the goalkeeper admitted that the error will continue to “haunt” her.

    She said: “I’m sorry my performance cost the girls like that.
    “That will haunt me for a long time. I’ve really let the team down today. I’m really gutted.”
    Most read in Football
    Earps made an error which led to Netherlands’ second goal in the first halfCredit: Getty
    The Man Utd star was left devastatedCredit: PA
    Earps added: “It could have been a really special night at Wembley. The team were unbelievable.”
    England boss Wiegman responded to the 30-year-old’s comments in her post-match press conference, insisting that it was a team effort.
    The Dutchwoman said: “I don’t want her to talk like that, because you win as a team and lose as a team
    “She didn’t let the team down. Everyone does their best. You only let your team down when you don’t put effort in.”
    Arsenal legend Ian Wright was also quick to defend Earps on ITV.
    He said: “I don’t think she should be beating herself up like she is, she looked really quite distressed there.
    “The fact is on many occasions Mary Earps has saved this team. Unfortunately for her today she made a mistake that yes we needed two goals but we didn’t lose the game.
    “Unfortunately we didn’t get the two goals but at the same time that’s what it’s about. It happens like that and her team has pulled her out of it. You’ve to take it on the chin and move on.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Earps was voted BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year earlier this week, beating Aitana Bonmati, Sam Kerr, Fridolina Rolfo and Alexandra Popp to the prize.
    She also came fifth in the Ballon d’Or rankings – the highest a goalkeeper has placed since the female award was introduced. More

  • in

    Soccer Saturday legend Chris Kamara set to bravely sing live on TV show after being diagnosed with speech apraxia

    CHRIS KARAMA will make an appearance on ITV show Get Britain Singing.The Soccer Saturday legend revealed last year he was suffering with a condition known as speech apraxia.
    Chris Kamara will be appearing on ITV Show Get Britain SingingCredit: Splash
    Kamara revealed in 2022 that he was suffering with a condition called speech apraxiaCredit: PA
    The condition is a neurological disorder that affects the body’s ability to perform natural motor functions.
    One symptom is making talking difficult, with sufferers knowing what they’d like to say, but having trouble communicating their words.
    But brave Kammy will take up the microphone and sing on the ITV programme.
    The broadcaster confirmed his appearance as part of their “Christmas TV extravaganza” in its Get Britain Singing campaign where celebrities will sing a host of classic tunes.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The campaign is one part of the Get Britain Talking initiative, which sees stars discussing their own experiences with mental health.
    Kamara, who will play the role of Ghost, will be joined by The Masked Singer favourites Russell Watson (Cockroach) and Aled Jones (Traffic Cone) on the show.
    They will be up against four other teams to be crowned champions.
    Good Morning Britain stars Kate Garraway, Charlotte Hawkins, Alex Beresford, Laura Tobin and Dr Amir Khan will be one of the five groups.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    Other stars from some of TV’s biggest shows including Love Island, EastEnders and Coronation Street will also be competing.
    Kamara, 65, worked on Sky Sports between 1992 and 2022.
    He broke down while appearing on Good Morning Britain last month to talk about his condition.
    In the emotional interview, he said: “I get upset talking about it.
    “I was in denial. I was ashamed I couldn’t speak.”
    As tears filled his eyes, GMB host Susanna Reid, 52, leant over the the desk to hold his hand.
    He continued: “I didn’t want to be a burden, that’s the thing.
    “I have spent so long looking after my family and I didn’t want them to be in a position where they were looking after me.”
    In an interview last December, Chris told The Sun: “The doctor said if I’d gone in those first two or three months and had my thyroid checked then I might have been okay.

    “But because I left it, everything happening in the body — the balance, the muscle weakening — came from the fact I didn’t tell anybody.
    “I feel I’ve let my wife and family down by being a dinosaur and not getting checked out.” More