Fans need better TV coverage if sport is to thrive

1 England’s resounding victory over northern Ireland on Tuesday was marred by the BBC’s disappointing coverage, which they blamed on high winds at st george’s Park. a bumpy stream made some fans feel ‘sea sick’ before the footage was interrupted in the build-up to Ellen White’s second goal. not only was this England’s first competitive game in 354 days but it was also Jill scott’s 150th international appearance. supporters and players deserve much better. 2 WHIlE the BBC’s pictures may have been lacking in quality, Hege Riise’s lionesses certainly weren’t. White showed why she is still the no 1 striker with a clinical hat-trick and Jordan nobbs looked back to her best after injury. There will be tougher tests than that provided by a weakened northern Ireland team, but the initial signs are positive for the interim manager. 3

IT Is encouraging that the Welsh Women’s league will resume this month after having its elite status reinstated, but the wait for scottish teams goes on with no date set for a return. glasgow City have a full team of professionals who are still unable to train. scotland risks losing the progress the country has made in the women’s game if things don’t change soon. 4

THE Fa say they have no plans to introduce full-time referees into the top two tiers of women’s football for at least three years. Players and managers are rightly frustrated by the lack of progress and a three-year wait is not helpful for anybody. 5IT

Is good to see that BT sport will show Manchester City and Chelsea’s Champions league last-16 matches, but it’s a shame the second legs will be played at inconvenient times. City’s home game against Fiorentina on March 11 kicks off at 1pm and Chelsea’s away match with atletico Madrid starts at 12.30pm. not great for fans.