Overkill on TV is a threat to clubs

WE have already had to endure two international shutdowns and another is round the corner in November.

While these regular breaks frustrate the supporters, it at least does give a little respite from the expense of following a side playing three games a week for most of the season.

Thanks to TV coverage options, many are now choosing to watch games from the comfort of their living room or the pub.

It was bad enough especially for lower-league clubs who were losing revenue trying to compete with Champions League games being televised while games were being played.

It is getting worse now, though.

With the advent of the red button showing all Championship games live in midweek, there is now the unthinkable threat of games being shown from across Europe in the previous watershed of 3.00-5.00 on Saturday afternoons.

That would go a long way to killing some clubs, especially in non-league as fans stay away and armchair watchers replace former supporters.

We have noticed significant falls in midweek attendances, especially with visiting supporters.

That situation has not been helped by ridiculous fixture planning.

I am certain every club can quote similar examples but closer to home Boro away to Ipswich on a Tuesday evening beggars belief - especially as it fell three days after playing Hull City away the previous Saturday.

Friday night TV football does not help either, the roads are terrible as people head home for the weekend.

After away games on a Friday at Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday, Boro face a Saturday evening game at Brentford.

In fairness Boro have still been well represented in the stands away from home but the numbers attending the Riverside supporting the opposition has fallen and that means lost revenue for the home club plus a reduced atmosphere.

Sadly this situation seems like it will only get worse.

Football needs fans in the ground - though the money men will tell you turnstile revenue is nowhere near as important as it used to be.