Hammers in 'more than 90 seconds on MOTD' shocker

  • by Matthew O'Greel
  • Wednesday, 5th September 2007

West Ham United's fixture at Aston Villa on October 6th has caused something of a furore.

That's because for the first time ever West Ham's visit to Villa Park will be the only top flight fixture kicking off at the traditional 3pm Saturday afternoon slot, due to the involvement of several clubs in European action the preceeding week.

The only other Saturday game that day features Manchester United and Wigan - but that kicks off at 12.45pm. The remaining Premier League fixtures that weekend all take place the following day - Sunday 7th October.

So whilst it may be bad news for football in general, and those who prefer to watch their football on a Saturday afternoon, it's good news for any Hammers fans who will be tuning into Match of the Day that Saturday evening.

So far this season, West Ham have featured at the tail end of the three MOTD programmes broadcast, with no more than two or three minutes action shown from each game.

United's 3-0 win at Reading last weekend didn't even merit a single comment according to the BBC, who instead continue to concentrate on action from games involving the 'big four' - ironically the main criticism of supporters when ITV held the highlights franchise prior to it returning to the BBC two years ago.

Premier League fixture list - weekend of Oct 6/7

Saturday, 6th October

Man Utd v Wigan (12:45pm)
Aston Villa v West Ham (3pm)

Sunday, 7th October

Arsenal v Sunderland (12pm)
Reading v Derby (2pm)
Blackburn v Birmingham; Bolton v Chelsea; Liverpool v Tottenham; Man City v Middlesbrough; Newcastle v Everton (3pm)
Fulham v Portsmouth (4.10pm)

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