ClubberTV Review and factual update

More than 100 games across the Trident Leagues will be live streamed during the season, at the request of the clubs involved.

Although the result didn’t go their way, it was a positive experience to kick-off the partnership for Guiseley, who also featured in the NPL play-off final broadcast live by ClubberTV back in May.

James Pickles, Guiseley’s General Manager and Football Secretary, said: "It was very straight forward as far as we’re concerned. Clubber’s staff came out on the Thursday afternoon to look at the filming gantry and test connectivity, before having a brief discussion with our radio team to discuss how best to link into our commentary. On match day they could be pretty much left to it and other than our media team connecting the commentary in and helping to get a manager for interview post match, we didn’t have to do anything at all.

"We decided to trial the streaming as an additional revenue stream for the club and to potentially increase the profile of the club. Hosting in this international window helped as we didn’t have to move kick off time. 

“There are a couple of fixtures where local EFL and Premier League clubs are at home on the Saturday so moving to the Friday evening may be beneficial to us from an attendance point of view anyway, and should the opposition clubs agree to move these fixtures we will also look to stream these games.”

The new initiative with ClubberTV to live stream games is opt-in - clubs will not be forced to move kick-off times or dates. It is up to the clubs themselves whether they want to move a game to be live streamed, and both clubs must be in agreement. 

On select weekends throughout the season when UEFA Article 48 does not apply, such as the weekend just gone, games can be live streamed at 3pm on Saturdays.

It is disingenuous of clubs to suggest that there was no consultation. Three consultation surveys were undertaken with all members across the Trident Leagues.

The League notes a statement by one member club that contains a number of detail inaccuracies.

The NPL has not and will not force clubs to move Saturday kick-offs. This has been stressed in all written communication issued to clubs across the three separate consultations with member clubs. 

FA standardised rules also require the agreement of both clubs for a Saturday kick off time to be moved. So where one club doesn't wish to do so, there is no further action.

Together with an assurance that the NPL would not force clubs to move Saturday kick-offs offs, this was made clear in the consultations which also included a 1-2-1 call with the complaining club.

Whether or not a club opts into the scheme is a matter for them alone.

All fixture changes must be approved by the Northern Premier League.