GROUND STAFF IN FRAME FOR BALLBOY GIG
BALLBOYS are not likely to return when top-flight football does, with each club expected to nominate members of their ground and maintenance staff to carry out the role.
In addition to those with the fourth official, eight balls will be placed behind the LED boards and, when one goes out of play, the trusty workers will be expected to race after it, disinfect it and put it back in place. The move has caused much merriment among those not expecting to be nominated. Spare a thought for whoever ends up with the gig at West Ham, given the London Stadium’s spacious layout.
PREMIER LEAGUE clubs will face a number of unique logistical issues to ensure their grounds are ready when football returns. One problem is where to put the media, given existing press boxes are not big enough to allow for social distancing. Expect to see reporters spread out across the seats, with extension cables and temporary desks becoming the new normal. Reporters will only be allowed into grounds 90 minutes before kick-off, as opposed to the pre-Covid three hours, and can’t enter press lounges, where food is served. Hungry hacks now face an anxious wait as clubs consider whether to lay on food.
ROYAL ASCOT behind closed doors is going to be a very different proposition for participants and racing fans. The track will be promoting ‘Royal Ascot at Home’, encouraging racegoers to dress up in their outfits and morning suits while watching on TV.
The Charity Royal Ascot Preview will still take place on the Wednesday (June 17) from 6pm via Zoom, with guests asked to buy tickets to hear the thoughts of a panel including ‘Mr Ascot’ Frankie Dettori and champion jockey Oisin Murphy. Questions will be sent in to the host, ITV’s Francesca Cumani.
THE head of Sky F1, Australian Scott Young, is leaving the company following the European races, in a move which may go down well with some of the channel’s talent. Scott took over from the hugely liked Martin Turner and controversially tried to axe pit lane reporter Ted Kravitz for the 2019 season. Young was partly overruled and Kravitz carried on in a reduced role.
TOTTENHAM and Aston Villa were the only clubs to join Liverpool in criticising the £330million rebate to broadcasters at last week’s Premier League meeting. However, unlike Liverpool, they did not vote against giving broadcasters the cash. The rebate represents more than 10 per cent of the TV deal, whereas the EFL are repaying just over five per cent. While it may not have been raised at the meeting for political reasons, the feeling that the top flight are doing more than they should to keep the broadcasters happy is held by others outside the three clubs bold enough to state their position.
THE ECB ratified Ian Watmore’s appointment as chair last week at their AGM, where 41 members voted unanimously in his favour.
However, insiders have disclosed that it took some persuading to get to that point, with as many as three counties voicing serious concerns following
Sportsmail’s revelations that Watmore had been the subject of an independent whistleblowing report against him when director of the Football League 18 months ago.
The objections were described as ‘vociferous’, but those involved were eventually won over. Watmore survived a review into his appointment, launched following this newspaper’s investigation. He will start his role in September.
SOME have jokingly wondered if the BBC’s new director general Tim Davie has been exerting power before he even starts after it emerged he is a Crystal Palace supporter. The Beeb’s first ever televised live Premier League match? Bournemouth v Crystal Palace.