What do you think of the fixtures list?
Within 10 minutes of arriving at work this morning I heard three conversations about the fixtures list.
Firstly, a Sheffield United supporter who is presumably expecting some kind of promotion campaign bemoaned the fact that , end against Roy Keane's Ipswich and face both Newcastle and local rivals Wednesday during the crucial month of April.
Secondly, a Tottenham fan was all raised eyebrows when noting that his team opened with . Not the easiest to start the campaign, he seemed to suggest, but he was at least grateful there would be no repeat of recent opening-day trips to Middlesbrough, Bolton and Sunderland.
Then I heard the booming voice of our resident Bournemouth fan bemoaning the fact that the , while Boxing Day comprises a visit to Cheltenham. The three dates his extraordinary mind immediately searched out - and all away from home.
It made me think of a quote from Glenn Thompson, the man who owns the actual fixtures computer and does most of the work in terms of putting the list together.
"The problem with this job is that you are never going to satisfy everyone," he ruefully told me when I spoke to him last week.
As I write this a QPR fan has just walked into the office. He is delighted that his team open their season with - bringing former boss Ian Holloway back to Loftus Road for his first game in charge of the Seasiders.
His joy was short-lived, tempered by the news that his team's trip to Newcastle takes place on a Wednesday night in late September. A weekend away killed by the fixtures computer. I imagine that every Championship supporter spent this morning checking out when they play Newcastle - particularly at St James' Park. However, with 10 rounds of midweek fixtures in the Championship some supporters are set for disappointment.
QPR finish their season with a home fixture against the Magpies. Chris, the Rangers supporter, has concluded, perhaps slightly tongue in cheek, that it is entirely appropriate as it will determine who finishes first and second in the Championship.
. That strikes me as being a touch cruel. It was a Premier League fixture last season and I'm sure both sets of fans wish it still was. There is plenty to occupy their minds at the moment as neither set of fans knows who will be in charge of their club come August.
In the main, though, I like to think the day the fixtures are released is the point when the mind finally leaves behind the previous season and becomes infused with a sense of summer optimism for the forthcoming campaign. That most of the general sense of well-being about your team has been extinguished by the end of September (or perhaps even within minutes of the new season starting) is not something to give much thought to right now.
The blog that I wrote earlier in the week about the fixtures computer provoked plenty of feedback from supporters unhappy with long trips in midweek. I'd love to hear what cards you have been dealt by the fixtures computer this season - any particularly nasty ones for your team?
I have been told that , president of the Football Supporters' Federation and a member of the fixtures working party, thought this year's set of fixtures was perhaps the best yet in regard to minimising travel on inconvenient dates.
And in the light of the responses to the blog the other day, Glenn e-mailed with a few responses to various queries.
While acknowledging that the issue of distance could be built into the fixtures programme, he wrote: "This has to be considered along with all other constraints and parameters that make up the compilation process."
But he added: "This year in the Football League we have considered travel distances for the majority of midweek fixtures. Feedback from this season's fixtures will tell if we have made the correct decision to prioritise travel."
A lot of the comments also focused, almost inevitably, on Manchester United. One supporter suggested United had been harshly treated last season, with away trips to Portsmouth, Liverpool and Chelsea by the end of September. Needless to say, he was part of a miniscule minority.
There was plenty of speculation suggesting that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has some kind of magical say over the compilation of the fixture list. I imagine the same people will have looked at and slowly nodded their heads, as though this confirms their belief in some kind of conspiracy.
It is complete rubbish. The fixtures computer does not favour any club. It does not understand the concept of big or small clubs. Just stop for a second - does anyone really believe Ferguson has some kind of sway over the fixture calendar (Rafa Benitez aside perhaps)?
And anyone who thinks that United have some kind of advantage might care to consider the introduction to English football that will have - Hull (H), Sunderland (A), Fulham (A), Burnley (H) and Stoke (A). I wonder what he will make of the Premier League after that introduction.
Thompson also does the fixtures for the Scottish first, second and third divisions but not the SPL, who do their own fixtures. has nothing at all to do with Thompson and his fixtures computer. Montrose against Elgin on Scottish Division Three, however, is a product of the work he has done.
Thompson reckons all the constraints as a consequence of European and international match dates made the compilation of next season's fixtures harder than usual.
He also reckons that the list came out better than he at one point expected. But the big question is - do you agree?
Hello, I'm Paul Fletcher and I mainly write about life in the Football League. I have a great enthusiasm for a whole range of sports and love to spread the word about the great game of rugby league. You can also follow me on .
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Comment number 1.
At 17th Jun 2009, Sambuca_Claret wrote:Burnley really do have a baptism of fire with Man Utd, Everton, Chelsea and Liverpool all in the first 5 games. I suppose we have to play them sometime and it might be better at the beginning when there not firing on all cylinders :)
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Comment number 2.
At 17th Jun 2009, gingerprince07 wrote:As a Blade, I cannot believe the start we have been give. One of the favourites to go up, a team under new management, a promoted team and another relegated team. UNBELIEVEAVLE. But, you have to play them sometime so cannot complain. COME ON BLADES!
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Comment number 3.
At 17th Jun 2009, lordsimmonds wrote:The fact that Arsenal face Man Utd, Chelsea and then Liverpool in the space of a week and a half during Jan/Feb is a joke. That sort of intense game is hard to play twice in a row, never mind 3 times. I already think that those three games will probably be the defining moments of our season
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Comment number 4.
At 17th Jun 2009, AnalMcAnal wrote:'Are you happy with your team's fixtures?'
As far as i'm aware, my team will be playing every other team twice - once at home and once away. Unless the fixture computer throws up something different, what is there to be happy or unhappy about.
It would be nice to have 38 home games against Hull but i'm not expecting that to happen.
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Comment number 5.
At 17th Jun 2009, ToonBoy105 wrote:I suppose that West Brom away is probably the worst fixture we could have had - they are far better equipped to bounce straight back than we are, but have to play them sometime I guess.
As poster 1 has identified, Burnley have a nasty start to the season but they should be concentrating on games such as the opener against Stoke and the games later in the season which will decide whether they stay up or not.
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Comment number 6.
At 17th Jun 2009, george wrote:All I want to know is
WHEN DO THE CONFERENCE FIXTURES COME OUT??
Can't wait. :)
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Comment number 7.
At 17th Jun 2009, joetheref wrote:I'm an Arsenal fan. First game away at Everton and we finish at home to Fulham which isn't bad. Did notice a bad run of games though: 30th January: Man Utd, 6th February: Chelsea, 9th February: Liverpool. Rest of the 'Big 4' in 10 days
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Comment number 8.
At 17th Jun 2009, Stevie357 wrote:Arsenal have the run from hell in January/February - Villa (A), United (H), Chelsea (A) and Liverpool (H). At least after that, Arsenal have an amazing run-in, and if we're still in the title race by then, we'd have a great shot of winning it with the games we have. Only Spurs away on April 10th concerns me after those four games I previously mentioned.
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Comment number 9.
At 17th Jun 2009, Gav Mitchell wrote:As a Barnsley fan I am amused and bemused by the fixture list...
This will be the second season in a row that we start with an away fixture, finish with an away fixture and are away on boxing day. Like your resident Bournemouth fan, those are the three dates I look out for and just like season I see three away ties.
Also, this will be the third consecutive season that our first home game of the season is against coventry who just so happen to be one of our bogey teams! Are there any other similar patterns in recent years? Coventry fans must be delighted at their first away game being at oakwell again!
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Comment number 10.
At 17th Jun 2009, rushers82 wrote:It's a pity to see there will be no 'Grand Slam' sunday this time out, where the Big Four all play one of the other Big Four teams on the same day. That was a great spectacle a couple of seasons ago.
That said, the weekends that feature both the Merseyside derby and Arsenal v Chelsea should be good.
Exeter City (my team) open with a trip to Leeds, followed by a home fixture against Norwich, which is a nice welcome to League One following our promotion. Odd to think that this time just two years ago we were scouring our conference fixtures containing the likes of Farsley Celtic and Tamworth (no dis-resepect meant to those teams, just revelling in how far we have come).
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Comment number 11.
At 17th Jun 2009, Bru wrote:Is it just me or do Liverpool seem to always start the campaign or finish the campaign against spurs. This must be 4 years in a row now where we have played spurs on the opening or closing day. Not that i mind, they are a good team and its always good to play them when they are not firing on all cylinders or when they no longer have anything to play for. But seriously, Man U and Chelsea's opening fixtures are a touch easier than everybody elses......again.
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Comment number 12.
At 17th Jun 2009, leerobson wrote:Well there goes my already planned weekend trip to blackpool out the window! We geordies would have loved blackpool away on a saturday day time! At work 5 times on a wednesday... cruel cruel!
Cant help but laugh at Chelsea's opening fixtures though.
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Comment number 13.
At 17th Jun 2009, gowalcott wrote:ye i do agree we have a shocking jan/feb run but if we are still in it after that...
we need to play it like united last season who despite a hard first few months came back after the world champions cup still in the hunt and then took over. come on arsenal!!!
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Comment number 14.
At 17th Jun 2009, Malt Loaf wrote:As a punter would it be worth backing Chelsea and watching the odds contract after 5 games have been played and they have 15 points? Possibly. Man United certainly appear to have the hardest end to the season, but we'll have it all wrapped up with 10 games left in any case so that's not a problem...
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Comment number 15.
At 17th Jun 2009, Paul Moore wrote:i would love to know the criteria used to determine fixtures - everyone in Middlesbrough knew Blackpool away would be a midweek game in mid-winter and guess what! I get the impression some games have some interesting limitations on them - what about some transparency in the criteria?
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Comment number 16.
At 17th Jun 2009, electronicTrife123 wrote:If the gooners can get past feb within 6 points of top spot I reckon we'll scrape it...the fixture list suits Wenger style...
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Comment number 17.
At 17th Jun 2009, ViewFromThePaddock wrote:QPR's owners must be delighted with the fixture list. We're at home for the three traditionally big dates - first game of the season, Boxing Day and the last game of the season (against Newcastle no less). Should see full houses for all three - and a bit more cash in the coffers for our billionaire bosses.
Let's hope they spend some of it on new talent before the season starts.
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Comment number 18.
At 17th Jun 2009, MenaceF1 wrote:I'm not happy.
I'm an Arsenal fan getting married on Saturday 29th August 2009.
I was hoping for a nice mundane fixture that wouldn't be of any great importance....
We're away to Man U. :-(
Is it untraditional to have a big-screen TV in the church???
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Comment number 19.
At 17th Jun 2009, expertdalton8 wrote:Liverpool will have played away from home on the first day for the 6 years in a row after next season, while Manchester United and Chelsea get a home game for the umpteenth season in a row. Suspicious? You bet.
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Comment number 20.
At 17th Jun 2009, dogsownlife wrote:After last season I find it amazing that anyone would still believe that somehow the fixture compilers conspire with SAF and manU to provide them with an easy schedule! As others have said everyone plays everyone else home and away - what's the problem? I would be more concerned about the newly promoted clubs like Burnley who find themselves with games against the Big 4 very early in the season - they could find themselves with the "relegation battle" tag in September just because they have had a difficult start
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Comment number 21.
At 17th Jun 2009, x_wozza_x wrote:I'm very pleased with Man United's start against Birmingham, I just hope we can get a win instead of us always playing catch-up. And hopefully they can beat Burnley after and start with 6 points from 2 games!
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Comment number 22.
At 17th Jun 2009, philtoon82 wrote:i'm loving the fact that newcastle are away again on boxing day! means i get to spend another boxing day getting plastered in fancy dress while watching me team get whopped! Get in there!!!!
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Comment number 23.
At 17th Jun 2009, redstew wrote:As a Barnsley fan I would like to echo the comments made by Gav Mitchell (No 9).
I dont have a problem with how the computer spits out the fixtures,thats just the luck of the draw.
I am more interested in this "pairing" that is put in before asking the computer to do it's stuff,as explained in a previous blog,Secrets of the fixture computer.
Can you or anyone enlighten me further?
UTR
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Comment number 24.
At 17th Jun 2009, captchris wrote:17. At 1:47pm on 17 Jun 2009, ViewFromThePaddock wrote:
QPR's owners must be delighted with the fixture list. We're at home for the three traditionally big dates - first game of the season, Boxing Day and the last game of the season (against Newcastle no less). Should see full houses for all three - and a bit more cash in the coffers for our billionaire bosses.
-----------------------------------------------
This is spot on, and one reason why many fans look for these three fixtures first. As a Newcastle fan, I always check out the Sunderland games before any others (not an issue this time!) and then look for 1st, last & Boxing Day.
Obviously there isn't any conspiracy going on, but it's very frustrating that we're away on Boxing Day yet again - 8 years in a row now!!
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Comment number 25.
At 17th Jun 2009, mduchezeau wrote:Chelsea have got a very mixed bag, but I'm sure it is the same for everyone. The fixture computer has been kind for the beginning games of the season, but somehow we play Tottenham, Liverpool, Man United, Arsenal and Everton after Champions League Group games and the potential to do so if Chelsea are in the later stages of the tournament. That somewhat kills the League and Europe double. Still playing United, Spurs and Liverpool later in the season at least gives us the opportunity to win the title at Anfield or WHL ;)
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Comment number 26.
At 17th Jun 2009, CountyPete wrote:As a Stockport County Fan I am just glad we have any fixtures at all.
In reply to Question 6 I believe the fixtures are out on Fri 3 Jul
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Comment number 27.
At 17th Jun 2009, lefty wrote:I am gutted that the Owls are away to Newcastle on a Wednesday night (19/8/09). I was looking forward to spending the weekend up there football match and a night out in Newcastle. Not exactly around the corner for mid week match either, stupid computer.
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Comment number 28.
At 17th Jun 2009, NoCanariesAllowed wrote:As an Ipswich fan living in the Midlands, Coventry away on the first day could not have been any more perfect! Roll on, 8th August!
What I also found interesting at the bottom of the feature article on the 2009/10 fixtures was the brief mention of how the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ plans to implement its rights for Football League Highlights. Seeing as ITV did a very good job with 'The Championship' for the past few years, I'm keen to see what the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ has to offer for us Football League fans, especially in the hope that we are not given a far inferior service to what we have become used to in recent seasons. Certainly the Saturday 1110 ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One slot mentioned for 8th August sounds very much like a first-week-only thing given the usual time for Match of the Day...
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Comment number 29.
At 17th Jun 2009, onetruefox wrote:As a leicester fan we cannot complain one bit, we open up at home, boxing day at home, 'derby' fixtures at the weekends and finish up at home to 'boro. Cannot complain one bit. It might be worth noting that for the past 13 years (i think) we have started the season at home, and Boxing day matches also have been at home. Im sure someone will prove me wrong though.
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Comment number 30.
At 17th Jun 2009, RonnieWhelan70 wrote:18. MenaceF1 - You can have no complaints mate, no real man would get married during the football season. Grow a pair and put the wedding off until next June or July
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Comment number 31.
At 17th Jun 2009, Sparky wrote:I'm confused! If someone called Glenn Thompson owns a fixtures computer, why should Alex Ferguson be the one to arrange the fixture list.... or have I got my "facts" mixed up???
:-)
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Comment number 32.
At 17th Jun 2009, Gooner Broxi wrote:Like my fellow Gooners above, my gaze was instantly drawn to the run of 4 games in Jan/Feb against Villa, Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool. Daunting to say the least but I'm actually happy about this. It shouldn't collide greatly with any Champions League games, and the only possible collision would be the FA Cup, which I'm happy to give the youngsters a run out if we can come through this perios with 7-9 points, particulaly given our run-in which is as close to a gimmie as we'll get!
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Comment number 33.
At 17th Jun 2009, dead_mans_party wrote:As an Aberdeen fan Im not chuffed that we have to go to Hearts, Hibs and Rangers midweek as the trains are bad enough to get back up. Plus if its another fiesty Rangers Aberdeen game going through Govan at night wont be fun. Also we have to go to Paisley on Boxing day - I thought that all the teams were thought for not having big commutes around the festive period!!
Celtic on the first day as well, seen that happening with the whole Mark McGhee thing
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Comment number 34.
At 17th Jun 2009, Djbungo wrote:Newcastle fan - Just once i'd like to not have to travel on Boxing day with a full stomach and bad head! 8 years in a row for an away match on boxing day is a touch too much, not to mention the opening and closing fixtures as well. Plus, perhaps it is intentional to stop a lot of geordies decending on their resorts but there are no weekend trips to any seaside places, all midweek games. Clearly they don't want Blackppool to get a bad reputation for a drunken city...oh wait a minute ;)
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Comment number 35.
At 17th Jun 2009, Nick wrote:How come Arsenal again have to play the other Big 3 teams on consecutive weekends!!! Last season it was the Big 3 within a month. It all seems a bit strange to me.
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Comment number 36.
At 17th Jun 2009, Gooner Broxi wrote:Like my fellow Gooners above, my gaze was instantly drawn to the run of 4 games in Jan/Feb against Villa, Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool. Daunting to say the least but I'm actually happy about this. It shouldn't collide greatly with any Champions League games, and the only possible collision would be the FA Cup, which I'm happy to give the youngsters a run out in if we can come through this period with 7-9 points, particularly given our run-in which is as close to a gimmie as we'll ever get!
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Comment number 37.
At 17th Jun 2009, onetruefox wrote:also, MenaceF1 dont get married during the football season or during international competitions. Im getting done on the 1st August, one week before the big match v swansea. no time for a honeymoon love.
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Comment number 38.
At 17th Jun 2009, dead_mans_party wrote:As an Aberdeen fan Im not chuffed that we have to go to Hearts, Hibs and Rangers midweek as the train are bad enough to get back up. Also we have to go to Paisley on Boxing day - I thought that all the teams were thought for not having big commutes around the festive period!!
Celtic on the first day as well, seen that happening with the whole Mark McGhee thing
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Comment number 39.
At 17th Jun 2009, Avril Lavigne Is So Lovely I Wish She Was My Wife wrote:I'm very upset with the fixtures list this season! I don't like that we have to play 19 teams both home and away!
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Comment number 40.
At 17th Jun 2009, whufc1985 wrote:The fixtures for west ham have actually worked out quite well, although from a selfish point of view i wish we didnt have such a big game on the 22 aug as im going to v that weekend.
Xmas and new year fixtures have worked out great and are all local games, which is great. and the last couple of the season are also local games.
Cant wait for the season now, really buzzing.
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Comment number 41.
At 17th Jun 2009, jro786 wrote:as a lfc fan i'm quitely happy with the fixtures
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Comment number 42.
At 17th Jun 2009, sean_b1987 wrote:As a Villa fan I'm fairly happy with our fixtures. Obviously our West Ham game will get rearranged because of our Europa League commitments but since this is the first time I'm going home and away, I'm more than happy that my first away travel will be to Anfield. What I am disappointed about is the fact we have to play both our local derby games (Blues & Wolves) away from home first. We had it last season with the Baggies and the season before that with the Blues. It would be nice to have a local derby at Villa Park first time around. Still can't complain, I'll be there for 38 games this season whatever the weather. I'm delighted to be going to the Emirates on Boxing Day! Roll on the new season now!
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Comment number 43.
At 17th Jun 2009, LallanaWonderland wrote:As a Southampton fan now living in Manchester I'm ultra disappointed to be in League One where there are only 6 teams from the north! Good to see Huddersfield away second game in and away to Stockport on 29th August, that's approx 3 miles from my house!
On the plus side there'll be lots of new grounds to visit :)
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Comment number 44.
At 17th Jun 2009, Pasinho wrote:Birmingham have been given a great fixture! A surprise away win at ManU after the hard pre-season to start the season + a not-too-daunting run-in at the end. I look at the fixtures and see all of them games as winnable... that's me heart not mind thinking = fan.
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Comment number 45.
At 17th Jun 2009, Gornaldo wrote:How could I possibly complain... Newcastle at home on Boxing Day...
And how could they possibly complain - Wednesday away on Boxing Day!
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Comment number 46.
At 17th Jun 2009, CypriotJohn wrote:So ManU play two newly promoted teams in their first two games of the new season. Call me old fashioned, but something smells rotten.
Bit of a banana skin for my team, at White Hart Lane first game, not really the best hunting ground for LFC in recent seasons, but start as we mean to go on, hopefully. YNWA.
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Comment number 47.
At 17th Jun 2009, skybluedave60 wrote:As a Coventry City Fan i am very annoyed with the mid week fixtures especially the Newcastle away game being on a wednesday. I no that there will be alot of Sky Blue fans unable to travel on a wednesday night to Newcastle, most of the fans were waiting for this fixture to come out of the hat so a weekend could be arranged in newcastle, also most fans have never been to St James park and because of the mid week fixture most will never get there. Very poor!
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Comment number 48.
At 17th Jun 2009, DferPolarBear wrote:I've always believed that players should think that they deserved to be in the league in which they play and if not then why are they professionals in a competitive sport? I say this because if you do believe you deserve your place then it shouldn't matter when you play anyone. To be the best you have to meet and beat the best. It follows then that to be 5 the from bottom you have to meet so many teams of all abilities and do your best against them. You may get points off a better team you may not. The point being there should never be any belief of 'well we can't beat them or them, but we will beat that lot and those and it's a draw against the others'. That way disaster lies.
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Comment number 49.
At 17th Jun 2009, philtoon82 wrote:Gornaldo
Here Here !
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Comment number 50.
At 17th Jun 2009, philtoon82 wrote:or even hear hear !
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Comment number 51.
At 17th Jun 2009, Malt Loaf wrote:I can't help noticing a lot of Scouse paranoia permeating through this thread. You've been listening to Rafa too much!
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Comment number 52.
At 17th Jun 2009, Clacko21 wrote:i am a Swindon town season ticket holder and frankly cannot understand how we are away on the first game, last game and boxing day!!! i have never seen this before with any other team. The first game away and the last at home fair enough or the first at home and the last away but you can't have all three away!!!!!!!!!!!
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Comment number 53.
At 17th Jun 2009, SammmmmmmyT wrote:100% sure Liverpool will not get as many points as they did last year! Overall a good interesting set of Fixtures!
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Comment number 54.
At 17th Jun 2009, CFCupNorth wrote:Great the fixtures are out looks good start for us but still can't plan anything until sky and a.n. other broadcaster mess it all around.
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Comment number 55.
At 17th Jun 2009, siralexfixturelist wrote:Now that Fergie has sorted the fixtures, has he also arranged for his favourite ref to be in charge of each game !!!??????
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Comment number 56.
At 17th Jun 2009, The Exiled Robin wrote:18. At 1:48pm on 17 Jun 2009, MenaceF1 wrote:
I'm an Arsenal fan getting married on Saturday 29th August 2009.
I was hoping for a nice mundane fixture that wouldn't be of any great importance....
We're away to Man U. :-(
Well that's your own silly fault for not insisting you get married between the end of May and early August. Bad planning on your part rather than the fixture computer!!
For me as a Bristol City fan reasonably pleased, although we're away on first day, last day & Boxing Day.
We've got Newcastle away on a weekend, avoided our usaul trip to Barnsley or Doncaster on a Tuesday night in January, and we're away to Holloway's Blackpool on the final day - May Bank Holiday weekend - DRINK UP YE CIDER!!!!
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Comment number 57.
At 17th Jun 2009, philtoon82 wrote:clacko21
Check Newcastles fixtures we are exactly the same.
We were last season as well
no too unusual mate!
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Comment number 58.
At 17th Jun 2009, Clacko21 wrote:i would like to knwo who Swindon were paired with, that would be interesting.
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Comment number 59.
At 17th Jun 2009, Tappster83 wrote:Argh, everyone is away at Blackpool midweek and away Newcastle on a day that's inconvenient, everyone is away on the opening day, away on Boxing day and away on the last day and Manchester United have got 38 games against Hull City next season!
Oh no, hold on, that's not quite right is it. In fact most teams fixtures are a bit of a mixed bag with some harder games and some easier, a similar number at home and a similar number away and a few midweek. In fact, looking at it, anyone would think there was some sort of random process at work here!
As a County Boy I would echo the sentiment of the Stockport fan (No.26) in saying that we're just glad to have a fixture list. Now we just need to hope we have a ground and a team to fulfil them. Going bust is much worse than going to Colchester, Blackpool or Torquay on a Tuesday night in winter. Come on County!
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Comment number 60.
At 17th Jun 2009, siralexfixturelist wrote:As a Exeter City supporter, we have got to be please with Leeds 1st game of the season, just a shame it isn't at home. We will see how far the "mighty leeds (????)" have fallen, when they get turnover by the Westcountry's finest !!!
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Comment number 61.
At 17th Jun 2009, DaveM2005 wrote:52 - Clacko 21
This has happened to NUFC for the last 2 seasons - all 3 being away and the last 8 years boxing days away
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Comment number 62.
At 17th Jun 2009, RedBlueArmy92 wrote:CONSPIRACY!!!
See how Man Utd get the easy start, middle and finish again?... plus anyone notice that Glenn Thompson is an anagram of Sir Alex Ferguson??? Also if you have a real close look at the fixtures you will notice that Man Utd have 32 home fixtures (Rafa has 28 away games?) Plus Arsenal have to play, Chelsea, Man U, liverpool, Villa, Real Madrid and the 1970 Brazil world cup squad all in the same week?!
...Just how deep does this thing go!?
On a non "how stupid do some people sound" note: A nice home start followed by a trip up north, but home for boxing day and another adventure in the north to end it all (well before the play offs any how)...even stevens in my eyes.
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Comment number 63.
At 17th Jun 2009, lupolicanary wrote:I'm a Norwich fan..and for once I'm absolutely delighted with the fixtures!
* ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ close opener vs. Colchester
* ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ final match vs. Carlisle
* ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ on Boxing day vs. Millwall
And to top it all off weve got all 3 of the newly promoted sides (exeter, wycombe and brentford) in the first 4 games and with all due respect to the mentioned teams we could potentially get off to a real flyer which is exactly what we need...contrast this to the past 11 years where 8 out of the 11 have all lead to having the opening and closing game away
On a side note, it's funny how the season Norwich and Ipswich are in different leagues it's the first season that Norwich get favourable matches (i.e at home) on the crucial days and Ipswich play away ;)
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Comment number 64.
At 17th Jun 2009, ManicRed wrote:Plus Arsenal have to play, Chelsea, Man U, liverpool, Villa, Real Madrid and the 1970 Brazil world cup squad all in the same week?!
Im a liverpool fan and I lol'd at that. There clearly is no "Kennedy assassination"esk fixture list conspiracy.
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Comment number 65.
At 17th Jun 2009, wartek wrote:I agree with el_nino_81 Everton have to play 19 teams twice home and away so what does it matter who and when. You have to play them all so you probably have a better chance of winning at the start of the season than at the end due to injuries.
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Comment number 66.
At 17th Jun 2009, CypriotJohn wrote:May 10th 2010, close of play, top of Prem, LFC (by two points). Bottom 3, Burnley (very similar style to WBA), Wolves and Hull. Replacing them Sheff U, M`boro and Cardiff.
Just popping to William Hill`s.
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Comment number 67.
At 17th Jun 2009, davegreenarmy wrote:620 round trip to Scunthorpe and 654 round trip to Ipswich within the space of 4 days.
1254 miles - can anyone top that?
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Comment number 68.
At 17th Jun 2009, Dawzy__05 wrote:Very interesting to see how United finish the season... 3 easy games! no surprize there.
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Comment number 69.
At 17th Jun 2009, swfcontourinkorea wrote:start with a local derby at home, boxing day at home against newcastle, and home on the final day...got to say i,m happy to be a wednesday fan!
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Comment number 70.
At 17th Jun 2009, geordiebunj wrote:skybluedave60: As a Coventry City Fan i am very annoyed with the mid week fixtures especially the Newcastle away game being on a wednesday. I no that there will be alot of Sky Blue fans unable to travel on a wednesday night to Newcastle, most of the fans were waiting for this fixture to come out of the hat so a weekend could be arranged in newcastle, also most fans have never been to St James park and because of the mid week fixture most will never get there. Very poor!
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Dave, I feel for you mate, all those long mid-week trips from your position slap bang in the middle of Britain, it must be hell! Its just so accessible up here in the North-East that we forget how you Midlanders suffer for your mid-week fixtures...
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Comment number 71.
At 17th Jun 2009, Jimsthename wrote:"I imagine that every Championship supporter spent this morning checking out when they play Newcastle - particularly at St James' Park. However, with 10 rounds of midweek fixtures in the Championship some supporters are set for disappointment."
My girlfriend made the cardinal sin of booking a weekend away before the fixtures came out. Not only do I miss Palace's home game v Newcastle, the return fixture is a midweek game in late January...ah well, there's always next season :-)
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Comment number 72.
At 17th Jun 2009, Tam Sadek wrote:Regarding the Premier League, I'm glad to see that there are no early or late kick offs on Saturdays, and that 'Super Sunday' has been done away with, except for the final day of the season.
What's got into the FA? Don't need the money no more? I can't remember the last time Liverpool played Man United at 3 o'clock on a Saturday... Seems like pre-Premier League, aka Division One, scheduling has returned, which should give Arsene, Rafa and Fergie one less thing to complain about; I'm sure they'll find something else to moan about though...
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Comment number 73.
At 17th Jun 2009, Eddy Cordoza wrote:Re 19 expertdalton 8
" Suspicious? You bet."
and 46 CypriotJohn
"something smells rotten"
You've got to laugh at Liverpool fans... If it's not referees, it's the fixture computer!
If the fixtures were fixed to help United last season, then why did United have to play away from home after each European group match last season, as well as the World Club Cup? (Meanwhile Liverpool had helpful home fixtures against the likes of Stoke, West Brom, West Ham and Hull). And why were United's first nine away matches against the nine teams that finished immediately below them in the table the year before?
The fixture computer couldn't have made it more difficult for United last season and yet they still won the league.
Stop moaning scousers!
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Comment number 74.
At 17th Jun 2009, geordieliam83 wrote:To all you Championship fans unhappy with having to come to St James' Park on a midweek evening - don't worry, you'll have another chance to visit us on a weekend next season, and the season after that and so on. Unless you get promoted of course, or we get relegated again.
Oh, and there is certainly something dubious about the 'random' nature of the fixtures. No one can tell me that 8 boxing day fixtures away from home for Newcastle is random. Having said that, our fixtures should be the last of our worries. How about no owner, no manager, no decent players and no idea?
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Comment number 75.
At 17th Jun 2009, Foxes-Ace wrote:It's going to be a tough first month for Leicester. Swansea at home will be a tough start but then going to Ipswich and Sheffield United will be even tougher. However Barnsley at home should be easy no disrespect to Barnsley. Then finishing August off against Newcastle at the might St James Park. Should be a good trip.
I just look at the teams in the Championship and it makes me nervous because Leicester fans say we are in for a chance of a play-off spot but I don't think so. Just have to wait to see which streiker we sign.
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Comment number 76.
At 17th Jun 2009, TommyO wrote:Paul Fletcher - does anyone really believe Ferguson has some kind of sway over the fixture calendar (Rafa Benitez aside perhaps)?
would anyone like to point out out when Benitez said, or even alluded to this, btw?
talk about lazy journalism.......
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Comment number 77.
At 17th Jun 2009, Wolves Secret No18 wrote:I wonder though. Is this not all completely subject to change due to TV scheduling?
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Comment number 78.
At 17th Jun 2009, WeAreTheMags1892 wrote:The fixtures computer and it's programmer clearly take no notice of patterns of previous seasons. Newcastle begin and end the season with away games - AGAIN, & are away on Boxing Day for the EIGHTH season in a row. I also don't think it's fair that clubs are either at home or away for ALL 3 of these important fixtures.....
Just waiting for the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ and Sky schedules to muck it all about before daring to book any trips...!!
Also, re number 30 above at 2:06pm, RonnieWhelan70 wrote:
18. MenaceF1 - You can have no complaints mate, no real man would get married during the football season. Grow a pair and put the wedding off until next June or July.
Yeah, and a real man would also know that there's a World Cup on next summer!! :-)
And... 67. At 2:45pm, davegreenarmy wrote:
620 round trip to Scunthorpe and 654 round trip to Ipswich within the space of 4 days.
1254 miles - can anyone top that?
Nearly! Newcastle are away to Plymouth on 17th April and away to QPR on 2nd May. That's 1,398 miles in the space of 2 weeks!
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Comment number 79.
At 17th Jun 2009, kanchelskis_legend wrote:76. At 3:01pm on 17 Jun 2009, TommyOnion wrote:
Paul Fletcher - does anyone really believe Ferguson has some kind of sway over the fixture calendar (Rafa Benitez aside perhaps)?
would anyone like to point out out when Benitez said, or even alluded to this, btw?
talk about lazy journalism.......
_______________________________________________________________________
You know what? I think he might have been joking...
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Comment number 80.
At 17th Jun 2009, theshieldsman wrote:I read the excellent article yesterday explaining the difficulties that the fixture compilers have and the attempts they make to minimise fans discomfort and travelling. I had to laugh this morning when the fixtures popped up to find that Chelsea fans have to travel up to the North East's only Premier League club on a Tuesday night and that Sunderland fans have to travel to Portsmouth on a Tuesday night on their furthest away trip of the campaign. Now call me a cynic if you wish but it does look as though the only thought that went in with respect to Sunderland was to ensure that their home games didn't clash with the "lads up the road."
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Comment number 81.
At 17th Jun 2009, Stevie357 wrote:RE #72: This is before the TV companies (who may or may not include Setanta) get their filthy hands on it. United/Arsenal on August 29th is definitely getting moved.
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Comment number 82.
At 17th Jun 2009, The Exiled Robin wrote:72. At 2:55pm on 17 Jun 2009, tamsadek wrote:
Regarding the Premier League, I'm glad to see that there are no early or late kick offs on Saturdays, and that 'Super Sunday' has been done away with, except for the final day of the season.
I do hope you're joking????
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Comment number 83.
At 17th Jun 2009, CypriotJohn wrote:tamsadek:
TV Broadcasters and Police authorities havent had their say yet, so don`t jot down your fixtures in ink for now.
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Comment number 84.
At 17th Jun 2009, gwhroberts wrote:Since when did the Premier League start to schedule matches on Tuesday nights ???
Man United have 3 games scheduled on Tuesdays next season .....
Tue Aug 18 vs Burnley - Away
Tue Dec 15 Wolves - Away
Tue Jan 26 Hull City - ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ
I can't see SKY wanting to move any of these games to other more "suitable" dates / times for tv viewing ...(sorry Burnley, Wolves & Hull)
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Comment number 85.
At 17th Jun 2009, bluenose in salisbury wrote:I know I haven't read all of the blogs above but I must state again that Sky have the biggest sway in the fixture calendar compilation. This was clarified this morning when a camera crew was at David Sullivan's house 5 minutes after the fixture announcements. As far as I know they weren't outside any other of the promoted owners drums waiting for a comment. Although I do acknowledge that you will never please everyone as the permatations are emense.
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Comment number 86.
At 17th Jun 2009, TommyO wrote:79. At 3:07pm on 17 Jun 2009, kanchelskis_legend wrote:
You know what? I think he might have been joking...
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how do you get a joke from Rafa saying - 'let Ferguson do the fixture list to stop him always complaining about them' to 'joking' that Rafa actually thinks Ferguson has an influence on the fixture list?
makes no sense
I mean it's the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ, my hopes aren't high but still...
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Comment number 87.
At 17th Jun 2009, Hurlock is god wrote:Cant please everyone and im not pleased, away to Norwich on Boxing day. The bloke that does the fixture list manually for Boxing day i might add could also do with a map!!!
I wouldnt mind but Millwall play Charlton away on the 19th of December, that is our closest away fixture.
Another bad one in league one is Stockport trunking down to MK dons.
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Comment number 88.
At 17th Jun 2009, gunnerstad wrote:OBV a Man U fan did the fixture list this year, starting with Everton away then in Jan/Feb Villa away Man U, Liverppol and chelsea all within 12 days and Man U again have far better fixture list!
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Comment number 89.
At 17th Jun 2009, lordSUPERFRED wrote:I can see it now . Tottenham still searching for their first point after getting caned by Liverpool and beated by a resugent Hull coming to Upton park , the home crowd chanting "your getting sacked in the morning " no champions leauge again for the lillywhites , cant wait
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Comment number 90.
At 17th Jun 2009, Jonny_Stokes wrote:Leeds away (again) and both Norwich games on a Tuesday night this season. Another useless bit of luck for Orient from the fixture computer. Preferable to the Leeds/Carlisle/Hartlepool triumverate of fiasco away Tuesday fixtures last year, I suppose.
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Comment number 91.
At 17th Jun 2009, Blackcat5573 wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 92.
At 17th Jun 2009, milesfrombeach wrote:In response to your resident Bournemouth fan, being as I now live in Derby I'm loving the fixture list, in 2010 all but one away match are within spitting distance, especially the last two. Anyway we'll be celebrating promotion long before those trips so relax
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Comment number 93.
At 17th Jun 2009, tigerbeer86 wrote:in response to commment 4, at 1.31pm
im guessing with a name like El_Nino that your a Liverpool fan??
then surely 38 homes games against Hull wouldnt be such a good thing? if last season is anything to go by we'd take a point of you everytime and you would end up on 38points.
bright scouser!
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Comment number 94.
At 17th Jun 2009, Hobbnob_Shven says shave shix o shix wrote:Coffin Dogger
- - - - - --
We played Leeds away on boxing day last season. Remember them ;)
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Comment number 95.
At 17th Jun 2009, Mariah Scarey wrote:Once again, NEwcastle are away for the Boxing Day game.
Thats every Boxing Day game this decade so far....
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Comment number 96.
At 17th Jun 2009, deported2003 wrote:all this complaining about the distance you have to travel between games, try supporting a team in a country the size of europe, Our (sydney's) away games to perth are the same as flying to greece. almost any fixture in england is a local derby here. As a newcastle supporter i just hope we can bounce straight back up
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Comment number 97.
At 17th Jun 2009, foxesfan2008 wrote:The fixture list DOES favour man united. They are the real power behind football decisions along with the rest of the premier league clubs. Us in the lower divisions just get on with it. But the top flight clubs always have to throw their toys out the pram if nothing goes there way. The premier league is full of moaning minnies from club managers to their supporters. The fixture list is out. DEAL WITH IT!!
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Comment number 98.
At 17th Jun 2009, qwesssim wrote:Im a gooner and not really one for conspiracy theories. BUT in this case I can make an exception.
How ridiculous is it that Arsenal have Aston Villa Away, then Manchester United ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ, Chelsea Away, then Liverpool H, from the end of jan to feb.
The same happened at the end of last season and the season before.
Any chance we have of perhaps making a slight change in our fortunes this season is severly dented by this run.
I refuse to believe these things are just done at random. it's a joke.
I think any team with the above fixtures in a row would struggle.
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Comment number 99.
At 17th Jun 2009, mikeyc22rams wrote:Why do some of the longest trips for away games get scheduled for a weeknight?! As a derby fan, we have blackpool, plymouth, middlesborough, QPR & Cardiff all on weeknights, and i'm sure there are fans who have to travel alot further than we do!! Dont they know times are hard. If they want more fans through the turnstiles, surely it would make more sense to play local games on weeknights and longer distance games on the weekend?!
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Comment number 100.
At 17th Jun 2009, GIGGS11GERRARD0 wrote:19,
is that a FACT you picked up from your fat spanish waiter?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
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