| A giant crane was in place first thing this morning as local contractors DC Lighting increase illumination on two of the existing four lights and also run a new set of lights along the roof of the George Fox Stand, which will provide a brightness that is up to UEFA standards.
Ironically, the new lights are also an indirect requirement of the television companies, although, following the demise of Setanta, a deal to broadcast SPL football still hangs in the balance.
Scotland’s Premier clubs met at Hampden Park yesterday to discuss a joint bid from ESPN and Sky Sports to cover top-flight football for the next five seasons. A decision is expected within the next fortnight.
However, the offer, believed to be around £60 million, is half of what Setanta were prepared to pay before the Irish broadcaster collapsed.
All United chairman Stephen Thompson would say as he left the meeting was, “There was a full and frank discussion, and there is no denying these are very difficult times for the SPL.
“We now have to make the right decision for the future well-being of our clubs.”
US broadcaster ESPN announced yesterday they are to launch a new UK sports channel on August 3, which will be shown on Sky and will feature the 46 Barclays Premier League games originally scheduled for Setanta. |
