Pecking order of the Day
It has not gone unnoticed that pundits on the BBC's Match of the Day programme are more circumspect with their phraseology when referring to Stoke City FC. However, this was not always the case when Stoke first arrived in the Premiership in 2008.
It has also not gone unnoticed that Stoke are by and large always screened last on the programme.
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Roker Park in 1976: The Match of the Day Cameras can be seen on the Clock Stand (resembling an Airfix model). In Match of the Day History one wonders how many times Manchester United featured first on the programme. Image: John Harvey
Whilst it is understood that the BBC wishes to entertain and the Stoke style of play does not always fit into these parameters, what is the fairest way to air our clubs on TV screens?
Should it be down to the club that has scored the most goals (then maybe whittle it down to the fastest goals of the day)?
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This methodology seems not to be favoured by the BBC, bearing in mind four goals were scored between Wigan and Stoke yesterday and still they were screened last. What is more, it was also noticed that the two first-half goals shown in this game were the only incidents projected and no other goal attempts featured.
Was it because there weren't any more goal-mouth action worth seeing?
The only fair way to screen English clubs on Match of the Day is to scrap the pecking order of Manchester United rule and mix it up. Besides, to screen Manchester United last or even penultimate would also see many viewers seeing the programme through to the end instead of abandoning it after the first couple of matches.
Comments
by SCFC4EVA
Tuesday, September 04 2012, 4:08PM
“potteroldboy, it's a world wide phenomenon. A lot of people don't have a "home team" to support, so they just pick a winning team to watch or be a fan of . Some people are just part time football fans, don't really care one way or the other who is on just as long as they have something entertaining to watch. There will always be the supporters of the "lower" teams who will have something to say about the usual teams that show up first, and the "Oh by the way " teams that come on last! But, as i said all they have to do is improve , show some entertainment, score a few goals and they too can come on first. personally, I could not give a damn less where they come on, with the internet there are lots of other places to see highlights !”
by Potteroldboy
Tuesday, September 04 2012, 4:03PM
“SCFC4EVA. There needs statistical analysis on Manchester United and other teams over the years on MOTD because, yes they have been involved in some high scoring entertaining games. But they have also no doubt been involved in some nil nil bores.”
by SCFC4EVA
Tuesday, September 04 2012, 3:53PM
“potteroldboy, understood, but how often is it that Man U etc are not involved in some exciting high scoring game. Did you see that game against Southampton ??”
by Potteroldboy
Tuesday, September 04 2012, 3:24PM
“SCFC4EVA. I am afraid sir you are not answering the point which is if the entertainment factor were marginal, Man U would always get the nod to be the first screened. The BBC espouses equality and fairness in its broadcasting. Man U seem to have been favoured over the years who as a club appeal to the masses and those who are not secure about their football identities.”
by SCFC4EVA
Tuesday, September 04 2012, 2:38PM
“potteroldboy, it's not about Stoke at all and of course its totally the entertainment factor. They are putting on a show, for everybody, non football people included, so they have to produce it as an entertainment show. It's not just Top 4 team's fans who watch it. You don't put your worst act on first now do you, regardless of who the team is”
by Potteroldboy
Tuesday, September 04 2012, 12:57PM
“SCFC4EVA what about when the entertainment factor was marginal, lets say if Man U and Man City had a similar game and similar goal tally. How many times would you think Man U got preference over other clubs over the years? Its not just about Stoke”
by SCFC4EVA
Monday, September 03 2012, 10:07PM
“If Stoke City won a game once in a while, scored a few goals once in a while, showed some balls and went after an opponent once in a while, I'm sure the BBC would be happy to put us on sooner to entertain the nation wide audience!
People like winners, it really is that simple.”
by R_WStripes
Monday, September 03 2012, 12:46PM
“Man Utd are on first because that's what all the Londoners want and th country is run to suit London ;-}”
by Maxilo
Monday, September 03 2012, 11:30AM
“having been to the game i thought for a change, it was an exciting, attractive game. Although the highlights that were showed didn't show the whole truth imo.
They didn't show the whipping they gave us in the first 25 mins, or the turnaround that happened after.
they didn't show Stoke bashing the doors down for the last 15 mins either. Highlights can be used to show things the way the editor wants them to look i guess.”
by muzzer57
Sunday, September 02 2012, 6:14PM
“If Stoke played exciting attractive football I am sure they would not be on last every week.”