Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries making plea to camera-shy County
Cherries chiefs are hoping to persuade their Notts County counterparts to have a change of heart over the rescheduling of their League Two clash at Dean Court.[LNB] The original fixture which was due to be televised live by Sky Sports on Monday, December 21 was postponed just two hours before kick-off due to a frozen pitch.[LNB] Cherries were left to count the cost of missing out on a £50,000 payday, with around £20,000 in matchday revenue lost coupled with an additional £30,000 from Sky.[LNB] Notts County, who were yesterday served with a winding-up petition by HMRC, also stood to receive £10,000 from the Football League broadcast kitty.[LNB] And, while there were no guarantees the rescheduled match would be televised, Sky are offering to screen it on Monday, February 15 providing the two clubs are in agreement.[LNB] However, it is understood County are reluctant to travel to Dean Court on the new date as they are due to host league leaders Rochdale at Meadow Lane two days earlier.[LNB] But Cherries, who visit promotion-chasing Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday, February 13, are still holding out hope of restaging the fixture in front of the Sky cameras.[LNB] In an attempt to retain the Sky slot, Dean Court operations director Neill Blake is due to speak with County officials later this week.[LNB] And speaking to the Daily Echo last night, Cherries chairman Eddie Mitchell confirmed the club had even offered to split the broadcast fund with County.[LNB] Mitchell added: We would love to host the match on Monday, February 15 and we would love to host it in front of Sky.[LNB] It would provide a great opportunity for the players of both clubs to showcase their talents and to show how they can play in front of the viewing public.[LNB] Both clubs have got tough fixtures on the Saturday and we are both in the same boat, although I appreciate Notts County would have to travel and may see that as a slight disadvantage.[LNB] I know managers might think differently, but in these days of luxury coaches, a trip to the seaside on a Monday doesn't seem too bad to me![LNB] Mitchell added: We went to a lot of trouble in an attempt to get the game played last month and would like to see it on Sky.[LNB] In my opinion, it would be an opportunity lost, not just financially but also in terms of profile, if we were unable to stage it in front of the cameras. We certainly haven't given up and are still holding out hope.[LNB] Should County fail to agree, the contest is expected to be played on Tuesday, February 9.[LNB] n Cherries' combination clash against Swindon, scheduled for Dean Court yesterday, was postponed due to a frozen pitch.[LNB]
