Looks like our complaints have been picked up by the national press. Interesting piece in the Telegraph today by Henry Winter. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...een-put-out-of-the-picture-by-3D-cameras.html
I'm surprised the press boys themselves haven't complained, cos it's slap bang in front of them. I suspect the only way the Club will move this carbuncle is if they did.
I felt strongly enough about this to write to the Club. It's more like 150-200 fans that are directly affected not the 15-20 suggested by the Telegraph and I wanted to show support for them. However, what really prompted me is the principle of the thing and the total diregard for the paying fan by all in authority. This is the email reply I got today - " We appreciate your feedback and please accept our apologies for any inconvenience and upset that was caused by the addition of this camera position at the Arsenal game. New broadcast regulations were presented to all clubs for season 13/14 and these required us to add a mandatory camera position in a central area of the Johnny Haynes Stand. We have worked hard to find a better solution, and discussed many options with the Premier League, none of which they found acceptable. We are still investigating alternative options and remain in discussions to find what we hope will be a better solution that adheres to the mandatory regulations. Discussions remain ongoing and we will be in touch again in the very near future to inform you of any developments. Please be assured that we are approaching this matter as a priority and we will represent the views and needs of our fans as we look towards our next home game, on September 14." Not holding my breath but who knows....
Judging from their reports on our games I don't think they watch the game. More likely they are out for a jolly!
Latest missive from the Club - "Further to our last email, I wanted to contact you again ahead of the weekend with a further update on our progress. We have now reviewed in detail the camera position feedback received from our fans in the Johnny Haynes Stand. These findings have been shared with our colleagues at the Premier League and a meeting has been set for the early part of next week with the Premier League and broadcasters, at which we hope to agree a viable alternative solution. We will be touch again following these discussions, both to update you on their outcome and where necessary to advise of your options as we look ahead towards our next home game. Thanks again for your patience and support" PS They also confirmed that this TV 'gantry' will be a permanent fixture ie there for all home games, not just those that are televised 'live'.
It sounds at least as if The Club is trying. However, until the FA and PL actually take notice of "The Attending Fan" instead of just talking-the-talk and saying how important "atmosphere" is to the TV brand we can just expect more short-term moves which will, in the longer-run, undermine the game. COYW
Received another email from the Club and it's signals positive progress - the 'gantry' is coming down!! There is a "but.." attached although it sounds like this time the effect will be minimal and that the Club are now handling the situation judiciously: " Further to our last email, we have now had an opportunity to meet with both the broadcasters and the Premier League to discuss the camera position in the Johnny Haynes Stand. The shot captured from this position is needed for, potentially, every match and therefore forms part of the mandatory broadcast criteria that all football clubs in the league must comply with, as part of the new regulations imposed. The Club has worked hard over a number of months with both of the above parties to try to reach a compromise that would position the mandatory camera angle in a location that has minimal impact on supporters. Unfortunately a solution that fulfils the precise specifications of this criteria has not been fully reached. However, the broadcasters and league have this week identified a potential position which, whilst it only partially fulfils the broadcast objectives, negates the need for the scaffold in the centre of the Johnny Haynes Stand. Therefore, the removal of the scaffolding has been agreed and we have instructed this to happen prior to the next home match against West Bromwich Albion on September 14. The alternative position is being installed and tested on Monday 9 September for review with the safety officers at the Council. At this point, Season Ticket Holders that may potentially be affected will be contacted directly. We intend to then meet with these supporters prior to the match on 14 September, to discuss any impact this position may have. It is important to note that the camera will not be in operation at the West Bromwich Albion fixture and we will consult fully with the supporters affected to offer the opportunity to move seats or reach another agreement. Due to the cooperation of the broadcasters and the Premier League we believe this number will be minimal." And, as a goodwill gesture any season ticket holder who registered a complaint is being offered a complimentary ticket for the Everton cup tie.
