Annoying kick-off times are really a boost to our game

The rescheduling of matches to accommodate TV commitments is something football fans will just have to live with.

There have been plenty of complaints from supporters after changes to the opening weekend of the SPFA season. Partick Thistle’s match with Dundee United has been brought forward to the Friday night, and Celtic’s fixture the following day with Ross County has now been moved to a kick-off slot of 5.15pm. On the Sunday, Hibs entertain Motherwell at 1.15pm.

So half the top-flight matches have been moved. The fans who follow their teams can complain as much as they like but it will change nothing.

Let me just stress from the outset I have nothing but sympathy for the supporters who travel to watch their team both home and away. They are the lifeblood of their respective clubs, and it’s unfortunate the people who suffer through matches being screened live are the ones who travel the length and breadth of the country supporting their team.

For example, Celtic are followed by supporters from Ireland and they have to plan journeys in advance. Many might have booked flights or ferry tickets in anticipation of a 3pm kick-off for the opener against the Staggies. So you have to feel sorry for them.

The bottom line, though, is selling the rights to show the games is probably more important to each and every Scottish club now than it has ever been. Top-flight teams all rely on the funds generated from the various TV deals, and the reality of the situation is Scottish football will simply have to accept whatever slots they are given.

The top Barclays Premier League matches involving Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and Liverpool all get the best kick-off slots. That has always been the case, and it definitely won’t change.

But I need to say I’m a huge fan of Friday night football. I tried to introduce it for international matches during my time at the SFA, but the police refused to sanction such a move.

Now they are willing to allow big matches to take place on a Friday night like Scotland’s World Cup qualifier with Wales and I think it is a great idea. It is actually a very social time for a football game to take place. People can finish work and meet up for dinner or a few drinks before the game, and there is still enough time after the match to enjoy a sociable night if that is what they enjoy.

Also, if you are going to a game on a Friday, then it would free up the weekend for some family time.

I really do believe such a move will see an increase in attendance figures for those matches. But undesirable kick-off slots on a Saturday and Sunday are here to stay if we want our games shown on TV. The money is too important to turn down.