Putting aside our own concerns of a 1pm kick-off (personally speaking it's a pain in the arse as it'll be a very early start for the North Norfolk contingent) this does highlight what's gone wrong with the English season.
In years gone by the league would finish (the European finals would have been in the final few midweeks) and the FA Cup Final would be the culmination of the domestic season. When the play-offs were introduced the finals settled into the Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend and they then became the full stop on the season.
Now, we have the FA Cup Final being played before the top flight has finished, European competitions becoming excessive bloated with group/league phases so that clubs can trouser as much money as possible that there aren't then enough midweek slots for the Premier League to finish until the final weekend of May thus taking all the attention away from the three play-off finals (I bet the Football League are chuffed about that).
And then there's UEFA's insistence that the Champions (sic) League Final is the final match played in the standard European football calendar which can sometime play havoc with the play-off finals if Wembley is the host.
Crikey, England will have started playing their first Test match of this summer before the Premier League season finishes!
There's more consideration of the football fans in America and the Far East watching on TV than there is the actual attendees in this country.
Putting aside our own concerns of a 1pm kick-off (personally speaking it's a pain in the arse as it'll be a very early start for the North Norfolk contingent) this does highlight what's gone wrong with the English season.
In years gone by the league would finish (the European finals would have been in the final few midweeks) and the FA Cup Final would be the culmination of the domestic season. When the play-offs were introduced the finals settled into the Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend and they then became the full stop on the season.
Now, we have the FA Cup Final being played before the top flight has finished, European competitions becoming excessive bloated with group/league phases so that clubs can trouser as much money as possible that there aren't then enough midweek slots for the Premier League to finish until the final weekend of May thus taking all the attention away from the three play-off finals (I bet the Football League are chuffed about that).
And then there's UEFA's insistence that the Champions (sic) League Final is the final match played in the standard European football calendar which can sometime play havoc with the play-off finals if Wembley is the host.
Crikey, England will have started playing their first Test match of this summer before the Premier League season finishes!
There's more consideration of the football fans in America and the Far East watching on TV than there is the actual attendees in this country.
What do you think Nathan Jones is saying to his players this week?
"You know what lads, you've done well getting to this stage but I think we could be buggered coming up against a side that we've already beaten twice this season, have been pretty ordinary since their manager jumped ship and have lost their last three matches. It's obvious that the oppo is going to get their shit together, finally win a game against us and turn their season around at the death.
Just enjoy the occasion and learn from it so that we can be in a stronger position next year, God willing ... those of you that haven't been snapped up by other clubs at a higher level because we've not gone up, anyway."
Not quite the same as the rousing post-match Henry V-style speech from Saturday, is it?
Yes, he'll urge caution, Wycombe can be dangerous and be prepared for two tough matches ... but he'll also be telling the players that they're good enough, we could win, we SHOULD win as long as they play to the best of their abilities.
It's not a case of saying we just have to turn up and go through the motions to reach the final; we still have to earn it ... but we're confident enough to think we will based on the last few months of the season.
Football’s contempt for the real fans on display again.
To be fair 1pm is not terrible given we are in London. The later times are worse in my view.
It also discourages the extremes of excess drinking for those few who can’t pace themselves.
Far worse for Stockport if they get there however.
Football in this country kicked off at 3.00 on Saturday for years and years until Sky came along. The changes came to suit Sky’s commercial interests, and what they perceived the armchair customer wanted. Hence my careful use of the phrase “real fans”.
I am perfectly Ok if KO times were permanently adjusted to reflect long term lifestyle changes - of the real fans -but that is manifestly not the reason for all this messing around caused by Sky.
Imagine if the opening hours of shops were subject to this level of meddling. Why should football fans be subject to it?
Don't blame Sky, blame the clubs who accept these deals for the money the TV companies pay them. And blame the players and managers, who enjoy salaries their 1991 counterparts can only dream of.
Over some things I agree Sky are scapegoats, such as the spinning off of the FAPL from the rest of the league. But not this. Its all about their schedules. i agree the clubs deserve equal criticism. Can’t see that players or managers play any role. It’ surely better for them if the week has a regular rhythm. The fans do though. Passive and also selfish. Look how few people here spare a thought for Stockport. Compare with Germany, they got Monday night nonsense stopped with co-ordinated protests.
Football’s contempt for the real fans on display again.
To be fair 1pm is not terrible given we are in London. The later times are worse in my view.
It also discourages the extremes of excess drinking for those few who can’t pace themselves.
Far worse for Stockport if they get there however.
Football in this country kicked off at 3.00 on Saturday for years and years until Sky came along. The changes came to suit Sky’s commercial interests, and what they perceived the armchair customer wanted. Hence my careful use of the phrase “real fans”.
I am perfectly Ok if KO times were permanently adjusted to reflect long term lifestyle changes - of the real fans -but that is manifestly not the reason for all this messing around caused by Sky.
Imagine if the opening hours of shops were subject to this level of meddling. Why should football fans be subject to it?
Don't blame Sky, blame the clubs who accept these deals for the money the TV companies pay them. And blame the players and managers, who enjoy salaries their 1991 counterparts can only dream of.
Over some things I agree Sky are scapegoats, such as the spinning off of the FAPL from the rest of the league. But not this. Its all about their schedules. i agree the clubs deserve equal criticism. Can’t see that players or managers play any role. It’ surely better for them if the week has a regular rhythm. The fans do though. Passive and also selfish. Look how few people here spare a thought for Stockport. Compare with Germany, they got Monday night nonsense stopped with co-ordinated protests.
The clubs all agreed this, none of it would have been a surprise to them.
That shedloads of EFL games would be shown by Sky, and moved to stupid times, as they can't be televised at 3pm on a Saturday. And that the times would have to fit around the OTHER televised games, as clearly Stockport vs Exeter will get an inferior slot to Liverpool vs Newcastle. And that it would damage their own Club TV channels, like Charlton TV.
Players and managers may moan about the fixture list, BUT they love the money they get. Footballers in the Premier League get massive wages from TV rights, not from gate money, and that has had a knock on effect down the leagues, where 3rd Division Charlton players in 2025 now get wages WAY above what most fans earn. And what they would have earned 30 years ago.
Football’s contempt for the real fans on display again.
To be fair 1pm is not terrible given we are in London. The later times are worse in my view.
It also discourages the extremes of excess drinking for those few who can’t pace themselves.
Far worse for Stockport if they get there however.
Football in this country kicked off at 3.00 on Saturday for years and years until Sky came along. The changes came to suit Sky’s commercial interests, and what they perceived the armchair customer wanted. Hence my careful use of the phrase “real fans”.
I am perfectly Ok if KO times were permanently adjusted to reflect long term lifestyle changes - of the real fans -but that is manifestly not the reason for all this messing around caused by Sky.
Imagine if the opening hours of shops were subject to this level of meddling. Why should football fans be subject to it?
Of course it’s down to Sky.
I’m making the observation that of the 2 variations to 3pm (early or late) I see 1pm as the better choice.
Shops have meddled with times if you compare to ‘years and years’ of historical trading. Sunday trading and late night opening isn’t necessarily great for their staff for example.
It’s completely commercial but the reality is today real fans does extend to TV viewers because we’ve priced out real fans at the gate in some cases and the premier league sell out meaning no option other than to watch on TV.
No doubt the coverage will end the moment the game finishes, just so they can start the build up for “THE RACE FOR 7th” or whatever bollocks Sky are putting front and centre that afternoon
I'm in favour of a 13.00 start, it saves people getting slaughtered before the game.
I thought the final was being played at Wembley not a Roman amphitheatre.
"Welcome back to Sky Sports's coverage of the Division Three Play-Off Final. It's half-time in the first match of our double-header here at Wembley with the Lions leading the Christians 20 nil ..."
I'm in favour of a 13.00 start, it saves people getting slaughtered before the game.
I thought the final was being played at Wembley not a Roman amphitheatre.
"Welcome back to Sky Sports's coverage of the Division Three Play-Off Final. It's half-time in the first match of our double-header here at Wembley with the Lions leading the Christians 20 nil ..."
Football’s contempt for the real fans on display again.
To be fair 1pm is not terrible given we are in London. The later times are worse in my view.
It also discourages the extremes of excess drinking for those few who can’t pace themselves.
Far worse for Stockport if they get there however.
Football in this country kicked off at 3.00 on Saturday for years and years until Sky came along. The changes came to suit Sky’s commercial interests, and what they perceived the armchair customer wanted. Hence my careful use of the phrase “real fans”.
I am perfectly Ok if KO times were permanently adjusted to reflect long term lifestyle changes - of the real fans -but that is manifestly not the reason for all this messing around caused by Sky.
Imagine if the opening hours of shops were subject to this level of meddling. Why should football fans be subject to it?
Don't blame Sky, blame the clubs who accept these deals for the money the TV companies pay them. And blame the players and managers, who enjoy salaries their 1991 counterparts can only dream of.
Blame also the people who willingly hand their cash over to Sky to perpetuate the whole circus
What do you think Nathan Jones is saying to his players this week?
"You know what lads, you've done well getting to this stage but I think we could be buggered coming up against a side that we've already beaten twice this season, have been pretty ordinary since their manager jumped ship and have lost their last three matches. It's obvious that the oppo is going to get their shit together, finally win a game against us and turn their season around at the death.
Just enjoy the occasion and learn from it so that we can be in a stronger position next year, God willing ... those of you that haven't been snapped up by other clubs at a higher level because we've not gone up, anyway."
Not quite the same as the rousing post-match Henry V-style speech from Saturday, is it?
Yes, he'll urge caution, Wycombe can be dangerous and be prepared for two tough matches ... but he'll also be telling the players that they're good enough, we could win, we SHOULD win as long as they play to the best of their abilities.
It's not a case of saying we just have to turn up and go through the motions to reach the final; we still have to earn it ... but we're confident enough to think we will based on the last few months of the season.
So annoying that we can't buy tickets for the final until we know who our opponents are going to be isn't it, what with our tie being a foregone conclusion, at least according to some on here (not you) I haven't checked, but it wouldn't surprise me if they're the same posters who insisted the season was over in late November and laughed at anyone daring to suggest otherwise.
What do you think Nathan Jones is saying to his players this week?
"You know what lads, you've done well getting to this stage but I think we could be buggered coming up against a side that we've already beaten twice this season, have been pretty ordinary since their manager jumped ship and have lost their last three matches. It's obvious that the oppo is going to get their shit together, finally win a game against us and turn their season around at the death.
Just enjoy the occasion and learn from it so that we can be in a stronger position next year, God willing ... those of you that haven't been snapped up by other clubs at a higher level because we've not gone up, anyway."
Not quite the same as the rousing post-match Henry V-style speech from Saturday, is it?
Yes, he'll urge caution, Wycombe can be dangerous and be prepared for two tough matches ... but he'll also be telling the players that they're good enough, we could win, we SHOULD win as long as they play to the best of their abilities.
It's not a case of saying we just have to turn up and go through the motions to reach the final; we still have to earn it ... but we're confident enough to think we will based on the last few months of the season.
So annoying that we can't buy tickets for the final until we know who our opponents are going to be isn't it, what with our tie being a foregone conclusion, at least according to some on here (not you) I haven't checked, but it wouldn't surprise me if they're the same posters who insisted the season was over in late November and laughed at anyone daring to suggest otherwise.
In fairness, we'll know who the other team in the final will be before we even kick off the second leg
Football’s contempt for the real fans on display again.
To be fair 1pm is not terrible given we are in London. The later times are worse in my view.
It also discourages the extremes of excess drinking for those few who can’t pace themselves.
Far worse for Stockport if they get there however.
Football in this country kicked off at 3.00 on Saturday for years and years until Sky came along. The changes came to suit Sky’s commercial interests, and what they perceived the armchair customer wanted. Hence my careful use of the phrase “real fans”.
I am perfectly Ok if KO times were permanently adjusted to reflect long term lifestyle changes - of the real fans -but that is manifestly not the reason for all this messing around caused by Sky.
Imagine if the opening hours of shops were subject to this level of meddling. Why should football fans be subject to it?
Don't blame Sky, blame the clubs who accept these deals for the money the TV companies pay them. And blame the players and managers, who enjoy salaries their 1991 counterparts can only dream of.
Don’t blame them. Without annual subscriptions it would stop.
And eventually they’d be live league football back on terrestial again. Yes, they’d be less of it but they’d be enough, and people could eat dinner at the table and get their arses off the sofa more often.
Comments
In years gone by the league would finish (the European finals would have been in the final few midweeks) and the FA Cup Final would be the culmination of the domestic season. When the play-offs were introduced the finals settled into the Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend and they then became the full stop on the season.
Now, we have the FA Cup Final being played before the top flight has finished, European competitions becoming excessive bloated with group/league phases so that clubs can trouser as much money as possible that there aren't then enough midweek slots for the Premier League to finish until the final weekend of May thus taking all the attention away from the three play-off finals (I bet the Football League are chuffed about that).
And then there's UEFA's insistence that the Champions (sic) League Final is the final match played in the standard European football calendar which can sometime play havoc with the play-off finals if Wembley is the host.
Crikey, England will have started playing their first Test match of this summer before the Premier League season finishes!
There's more consideration of the football fans in America and the Far East watching on TV than there is the actual attendees in this country.
It's all a bloody shambles.
What do you think Nathan Jones is saying to his players this week?
"You know what lads, you've done well getting to this stage but I think we could be buggered coming up against a side that we've already beaten twice this season, have been pretty ordinary since their manager jumped ship and have lost their last three matches. It's obvious that the oppo is going to get their shit together, finally win a game against us and turn their season around at the death.
Just enjoy the occasion and learn from it so that we can be in a stronger position next year, God willing ... those of you that haven't been snapped up by other clubs at a higher level because we've not gone up, anyway."
Not quite the same as the rousing post-match Henry V-style speech from Saturday, is it?
Yes, he'll urge caution, Wycombe can be dangerous and be prepared for two tough matches ... but he'll also be telling the players that they're good enough, we could win, we SHOULD win as long as they play to the best of their abilities.
It's not a case of saying we just have to turn up and go through the motions to reach the final; we still have to earn it ... but we're confident enough to think we will based on the last few months of the season.
That shedloads of EFL games would be shown by Sky, and moved to stupid times, as they can't be televised at 3pm on a Saturday.
And that the times would have to fit around the OTHER televised games, as clearly Stockport vs Exeter will get an inferior slot to Liverpool vs Newcastle.
And that it would damage their own Club TV channels, like Charlton TV.
Players and managers may moan about the fixture list, BUT they love the money they get. Footballers in the Premier League get massive wages from TV rights, not from gate money, and that has had a knock on effect down the leagues, where 3rd Division Charlton players in 2025 now get wages WAY above what most fans earn. And what they would have earned 30 years ago.
"Welcome back to Sky Sports's coverage of the Division Three Play-Off Final. It's half-time in the first match of our double-header here at Wembley with the Lions leading the Christians 20 nil ..."
Since the war, from memory I make it:
1-4
1-0
0-1
4-4
2-1
F8
A9
Are you including the war cup?
Without annual subscriptions it would stop.
And eventually they’d be live league football back on terrestial again. Yes, they’d be less of it but they’d be enough, and people could eat dinner at the table and get their arses off the sofa more often.