Wolves have thanked those fans who’ve currently bought tickets for tomorrow’s game at Middlesbrough, following the fixture being rescheduled to a Friday night for live broadcast purposes but are concerned about the impact television matches is having on supporters habits of attending matches.
As things stand, Wolves will have had 14 fixtures moved for screening this season, prompting a further three other games to be moved.
The issue of televised games was discussed during the most recent meeting of the Fans’ Parliament, where CEO Jez Moxey spoke to members and answered questions.
And Jez has repeated his call for a greater balance and more dialogue between the clubs, the Football League, broadcasters and fans.
Jez, said, “Firstly, I’d like to thank our fans for their support but a particular thank you goes to those who are making the journey up to Middlesbrough on Friday night for another rearranged televised Championship match. Fixture changes impact on everyone but particularly on football supporters who are being inconvenienced to such a level we think it is becoming a genuine problem.
“Admittedly, as a mid-table placed team it’s been a tough season on the pitch so far for our supporters, at £32 the ticket prices are high for our fans travelling to the match, and Middlesbrough is a long way away. However, regardless of these facts, Wolves taking less than 250 fans to an away League match is an unprecedentedly low number.
“As CEO of Wolves and one of the board directors of the Football League, I’m highlighting these concerns because the rearrangement of too many fixtures for broadcast purposes is a serious issue and it’s in everyone’s interest to have our stadia as full as possible with noisy, passionate football fans.
“SKY are an absolutely crucial partner for the Football League and its clubs, not just because of the finance they provide and how the money helps clubs and their fans in so many positive ways but everything they do to promote and service the game. They are great partners but together we must be brave enough to acknowledge any concerning trends in the game and we think this is one of them.
“We must all work together towards finding the right balance, where supporters views are heard on this subject, where the League and its clubs needs are satisfied and live TV broadcasters provide the right number of live matches to satisfy the armchair viewer. These debates are taking place at the highest level because everyone involved recognises this very important issue.”
