The weekend is nearly upon us, and when Saturday comes we’re sure you’ll all be looking forward to another exciting match for the Hatters, this time away at Doncaster Rovers.
There’s nothing quite like a Saturday afternoon at the football. It’s a chance for kids, mums, dads, friends and relatives to get together in a uniquely fun, safe and exciting environment to share in the special atmosphere that the matches provide – home and away.
We believe that Saturday football is a lifestyle, and part of a culture which supporters are happy to accept as a personal or family commitment. We don’t believe this should change.
For tomorrow’s match we’re expecting over 1000 loyal supporters to make the trip to the Keepmoat Stadium to get behind the team; numbers indicative of the fantastic support you provide at home, and all over the country.
Of course, we also enjoy the support of thousands of people from all around the world who are unable to attend matches for a variety of reasons via the iFollow Hatters streaming service.
As a Club we have been proactive, assisting in ironing out issues and helping to make it an excellent platform for overseas supporters, and the many supporters who cannot physically attend away matches as a result of weekday and evening scheduling.
However, while it will be possible to stream tomorrow’s match via iFollow (as a result of it being an international weekend where certain broadcasting restrictions do not apply), it is our belief that matches kicking off at 3pm on Saturday afternoons should be protected, guarding the special atmosphere that you can only experience live in the ground.
We have had amicable communications with the EFL today, and have had clarification that the streaming of tomorrow’s match is a trial and not a permanent switch to streaming Saturday afternoon matches. Furthermore, clubs will have an opportunity to discuss this issue once data from the trial has been assessed.
As a Club, we do not control the iFollow broadcasting programme – but we are keen to put on record our belief that domestic streaming of 3pm Saturday kick-offs would be a step too far, and that we would not support a move to make this available as standard within the league programme.
As such, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank each and every supporter for purchasing their ticket and making the trip to Doncaster. We understand that tickets will also be available to purchase on the day from the Academy reception by the away turnstiles, so we’re looking forward to seeing you in numbers at the Keepmoat Stadium.
COME ON YOU HATTERS.
David Wilkinson, Chairman.
Gary Sweet, Chief Executive.