Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
TV boost for local football
IFA CHIEF Patrick Nelson believes BBC Northern Ireland’s decision to screen 13 live Danske Bank Premiership and Irish Cup games this season is “huge” for the local game.
Beeb chiefs confirmed yesterday they will screen 10 live league fixtures on Friday nights plus an extra two Irish Cup ties on top of the showpiece final in May.
The move is part of a new three-year deal with the new agreement kicking off with the North Belfast derby between Crusaders and Cliftonville at Seaview on Friday, October 5.
Ballymena v Glenavon (November 2) and Coleraine v Newry City (November 30) will also be broadcast live, with other games announced in due course.
IFA chief executive Nelson said: “Having live football on a Friday night is a huge boost for the game and I would like to thank BBC Sport NI for committing to cover these matches.
“Because of this new deal, I have no doubt more people across Northern Ireland will follow local football and more young people will be inspired to get involved in the game.”
The new live coverage will be fronted by Stephen Watson, with Thomas
Kane on commentary for the Crues v Cliftonville derby in two weeks time.
Jane Tohill, BBC NI sports editor, said: “This new agreement with the IFA and NIFL is brilliant news for local football fans and for our audiences.
“With 10 live league games across the season and three Irish Cup matches including the final, we are delivering a comprehensive live package of local football.”
Town will look to build on Saturday’s 2-1 win over Cliftonville – their first points of the season – when they travel to face Newry City this evening (7.45pm).