U’s fans upset at radio switch-off (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)
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U’s fans upset at radio switch-off
6:00pm Friday 7th September 2012 in News By Caroline Tilley
Colchester United fans at the first home game of the season
Colchester United fans have criticised the football club’s decision to pull the plug on live match commentaries on BBC Essex.
The U’s said the Beeb was not prepared to pay enough to broadcast home matches.
Sources claim the club believe fans are more likely to attend games, if there is no free commentary available.
A club spokesman admitted: “We are looking at different ways we can work with the community to get people to the stadium.”
One supporter said his 91-year-old dad – a lifelong U’s fan – would now be unable to follow the team because he was unable to go to matches.
BBC Essex is still reporting goals and game updates, and will broadcast three full match commentaries.
A spokesman said: “We are sorry audiences will no longer be able to hear full commentary of home games on our services as a result of the club deciding not to sell the rights this year.
“Listeners can still hear full commentary on all away games – and we’ll have regular live updates during home matches.”
Match commentaries are broadcast by Colchester United on its online “U’s Player”, available on the internet for £4.49 a month.
Tim Waddington, U’s general manager, told the club’s website: “Due to reduced funding from the BBC at a central level, the monies offered by BBC Essex were much reduced this season.
“This level of drop in funding has forced us to reconsider how we broadcast home fixtures.
“We have always had an excellent working relationship with the BBC and we are looking forward to continuing that professional relationship in 2012/13, but we have decided to take home commentaries in house and will provide these on U’s Player during the season.
“The commentary lead will be taken by David Gregory, whose undoubted knowledge of the game gives us a very personal insight into the games.
“David will be supported by a number of guest commentators over the season, which I believe will enhance the fans’ experience.”
Comments(9)
Surb
says...
9:28pm Fri 7 Sep 12
How on earth will Colchester gain fans now, no advertisements for games, no promotions, absolutely shocking display of football week in week out by boring statics, and even the fans that do attend like myself who has gone to every home game for years, and it was only the other week I got very rudely spoken to by a steward, where I wasn't in the wrong. On top of that the performance was rubbish.
Now to hear that they are stopping BBC Essex from talking about the game, is ridiculous. Maybe it's because of the feedback supporters give about the negative performances maybe the manager doesn't like them... Hmm.
I think JW needs to face the fans and listen to reviews, even on this website we can't write comments now on he's articles. Listen to the fans, and you would gain respect simple.
Reginald47
says...
11:32am Sat 8 Sep 12
burlyb
says...
12:18pm Sat 8 Sep 12
RB, Lexden
says...
12:44pm Sat 8 Sep 12
Essex is a dreadful decision because it affects the most vulnerable group of
U's fans- the elderly,the infirm,the poor,the unemployed - and other supporters,who,throu
gh no fault of their own,cannot attend matches.Some of these people will not be able to obtain the club commentary.
BBC Essex has given the club hundreds of thousands of pounds of coverage and
positive publicity through thick and mainly thin.And how does the club repay this kindness and friendship?.
It turns around and kicks BBC Essex in the teeth and all for a measly few ]pounds.It is poor public relations,but merely the latest in a series of PR own goals by the club,which include: (1)appointing Wayne Brown,a BNP supporter to work among
young black players and(2) allowing
Roy McDonough back on to the premises to publicise his dismal, self-
congratulatory book and heap further
embarrassment on David Blacknall,
a loyal club servant.
The BBC should now consider
downgrading its coverage of the U's
and instead devote more time to
Braintree Town,who we maybe meeting in a league match in the not-too-distant future although I am not
sure which league that will be.
Steve86
says...
1:51pm Sat 8 Sep 12
The club is slowly becoming invisible. To be honest Col Utd don't advertise their club that much, but then again when they do get new fans turning up to the ground, all they see is boring football. If the football was fun and exciting then we would get more fans - SIMPLES. That won't cost extra money for those changes, as all Ward needs to do is pack his bags and leave. Then Col Utd can play an attacking style with 2 up front, where it would be more exciting then keeping the ball in midfield and near our shocking back four.
I
Town8
says...
8:25pm Sat 8 Sep 12
wellnow
says...
8:07am Sun 9 Sep 12
RickyPatrezi
says...
1:17pm Mon 10 Sep 12
But instead those idiots in the boardroom decide to create a substandard commentary, alienate the fans and bring less money into the club..
Madness!
Clacc says...
6:34pm Fri 7 Sep 12
I'm sure that Cowling does. But dream on, the only way that the crowd will increase is if what happens on the pitch is of a much higher quality (goodbye John Ward).
As for the U's Player. Ha !