Robbie Neilson’s determination to avoid a fixture backlog and an appreciation of the difficulties facing part-time clubs are the reasons behind Dundee United facing a fixture clash with Scotland next month.
The scheduled Championship clash with Alloa at Tannadice on Saturday, November 17, has had to be moved to the following Tuesday night.
It’s down to the Wasps’ continued involvement in the Irn-Bru Cup, the quarter-finals of which take place the previous weekend, when the pair were originally due to meet.
And that means the game will now be going ahead at the same time as Scotland’s potentially vital Nations League meeting with Israel at Hampden.
Knowing a large chunk of their support would like to see both games, United had moved to avoid that scenario by suggesting their re-scheduled fixture went ahead on the Wednesday, 24 hours after the national team play.
However, in discussions with the Wasps it was apparent that caused them a major problem because of their part-time status.
And with the new gaffer keen to have the game played as near to its original date to steer clear of the chance of fixture congestion later in the campaign, agreement to meet on the Tuesday night instead was reached.
That another Saturday is going to pass without involvement in league action remains a matter of concern and the Tele understands a number of second-tier outfits are worried over the prospect of more re-scheduling under the new TV contract with BBC Scotland.
Between November and the end of the campaign, clubs can have up to two home fixtures switched to a Friday night kick-off and shown live on television.
However, those fighting it out for promotion could see several more away trips also brought forward to the evening before the normal Saturday afternoon kick-offs.
With the revenue from the new deal set to be split between all SPFL clubs, it means those in the Championship could be facing a loss of revenue.
Friday games can attract smaller crowds and less interest in hospitality packages and inconvenience for supporters facing a dash from work through tea-time traffic.
This article originally appeared on the Evening Telegraph website. For more information, read about our new combined website.
