: Tue Jun 09, 2009 3:42 pm  

Pepe wrote:

Widnes have been on Sky 4 times this season, with trips to Cumbria and Yorkshire. Despite what people think, Widnes are not full pro and most players have jobs, and so do our fans. The same can be said for Halifax.

Why do you think Thursday evening games only affect Fev?

That's not what I've said at all.

How much time notice did clubs get before the Thursday night fixtures throughout the season were announced?

Either way - whether it's happened for the first time this time or it's been happening all season, the fact of the matter is that it isn't really fair on anyone it affects, not just this fixture. That's the point I'm trying to make - which seems to be conviniently ignored.

: Tue Jun 09, 2009 3:47 pm  

GT wrote:

That's not what I've said at all.

How much time notice did clubs get before the Thursday night fixtures throughout the season were announced?

Either way - whether it's happened for the first time this time or it's been happening all season, the fact of the matter is that it isn't really fair on anyone it affects, not just this fixture. That's the point I'm trying to make - which seems to be conviniently ignored.

I think I dealt with this in the part of my post you omitted.

What is it you actually want to see happen exactly?

: Tue Jun 09, 2009 4:10 pm  

Pepe wrote:

I think I dealt with this in the part of my post you omitted.

Not really, no.

Pepe wrote:

What is it you actually want to see happen exactly?

I'd like to see a bit more thought and consideration put into the arrangement of fixtures such as this one. Just as I always have done with Sky's constant messing with the football fixtures. Don't arrange midweek fixtures at such short notice and don't change fixtures for television in a manner that will inconvenience clubs. It's not such a radical, outrageous idea, is it?

But, because of the money available, I guess people are just willing to accept it blindly and not see any problems, so it's likely nothing will ever get done.

: Tue Jun 09, 2009 4:22 pm  

GT wrote:

Not really, no.



I'd like to see a bit more thought and consideration put into the arrangement of fixtures such as this one. Just as I always have done with Sky's constant messing with the football fixtures. Don't arrange midweek fixtures at such short notice and don't change fixtures for television in a manner that will inconvenience clubs. It's not such a radical, outrageous idea, is it?

But, because of the money available, I guess people are just willing to accept it blindly and not see any problems, so it's likely nothing will ever get done.

TBF thats not down to sky. The TV game was chosen within 24hrs of the draw being made. Don't know the reasons for the scheduling of the rounds but perhaps it could be looked at for next season, 3 months between the end of the group phase and last 8 but only 2 weeks between last 8 and semis probably isn't the ideal way to go.

: Tue Jun 09, 2009 4:35 pm  

GT wrote:

Not really, no.



I'd like to see a bit more thought and consideration put into the arrangement of fixtures such as this one. Just as I always have done with Sky's constant messing with the football fixtures. Don't arrange midweek fixtures at such short notice and don't change fixtures for television in a manner that will inconvenience clubs. It's not such a radical, outrageous idea, is it?

But, because of the money available, I guess people are just willing to accept it blindly and not see any problems, so it's likely nothing will ever get done.

How can the RFL/Sky possibly know who will be in the last 4 of a knockout cup competition as well as knowing which teams will play who in those semis?

As Wembley '83 has said, perhaps the schedule could be changed, but it wouldn't change the fact that Fev will be playing on a Thursday night in Barrow. They've still got two weeks to make arrangements, and they all knew this may have been a possibility. It's not like we're even likely to be talking about hundreds of fans here.

The Sky TV deal was always going to be a double edged sword for the Championship and midweek games were always going to cause problems for clubs and fans, who get very little in return for featuring in these games.

All clubs knew the situation before the season started and none complained about the possibility of having to travel to Cumbria on a Thursday night in the NRC semi.

: Tue Jun 09, 2009 4:40 pm  

Pepe wrote:

How can the RFL/Sky possibly know who will be in the last 4 of a knockout cup competition as well as knowing which teams will play who in those semis?

As Wembley '83 has said, perhaps the schedule could be changed, but it wouldn't change the fact that Fev will be playing on a Thursday night in Barrow. They've still got two weeks to make arrangements, and they all knew this may have been a possibility. It's not like we're even likely to be talking about hundreds of fans here.

The Sky TV deal was always going to be a double edged sword for the Championship and midweek games were always going to cause problems for clubs and fans, who get very little in return for featuring in these games.

All clubs knew the situation before the season started and none complained about the possibility of having to travel to Cumbria on a Thursday night in the NRC semi.

Arrange both fixtures so that they will be played over the weekend. It's simple, when you think about it.

And at least for the Championship games the fixtures are announced with enough time to spare to make proper arrangements.

But I think we're just going around in circles, now.

: Tue Jun 09, 2009 5:02 pm  

GT wrote:

Arrange both fixtures so that they will be played over the weekend. It's simple, when you think about it.

It's not that simple though is it?

Sky and the RFL have an agreement to show one of the NRC semi-finals on a Thursday night, when it is deemed championship/NRC games would get maximum exposure.

Move both games to Sunday then it will break the agreed contract. Either that or the Championship/NRC should not be shown on TV until the final of both.

So no, it's far from simple.

: Tue Jun 09, 2009 5:18 pm  

Pepe wrote:

It's not that simple though is it?

Sky and the RFL have an agreement to show one of the NRC semi-finals on a Thursday night, when it is deemed championship/NRC games would get maximum exposure.

Move both games to Sunday then it will break the agreed contract. Either that or the Championship/NRC should not be shown on TV until the final of both.
So no, it's far from simple.

Thats more the point here

: Tue Jun 09, 2009 5:21 pm  

Starbug wrote:

Thats more the point here

That may be a good idea, but it isn't actually the point here.

: Tue Jun 09, 2009 5:27 pm  

Pepe wrote:

That may be a good idea, but it isn't actually the point here.

But yes it is

We asked for a TV deal , we were given one , it is for thursday nights

We either stick with it or we decide we dont want it

But moaning about it being on a thursday night when that is the ' Deal ' is pointless

I wish Leigh were in the NRC semi final on thursday night TV