Ian Holloway questions impact of early kick-offs on fans
Swindon Town’s early kick-off away at Oldham Athletic this weekend has drawn criticism from former EFL manager Ian Holloway, who has questioned whether such scheduling decisions take enough account of supporters.
The League Two clash at Boundary Park is set for an earlier than usual start due to broadcasting commitments. While that might please television planners, Holloway believes the move creates unnecessary hurdles for fans—particularly those travelling long distances.
“Football is all about the people who turn up, not just the ones watching at home,” Holloway said on talkSPORT. “When you’re asking Swindon fans to be in Oldham for lunchtime, you’re asking them to get up at silly o’clock, travel hundreds of miles, and still expect them to create an atmosphere. It’s not fair on them.”
Swindon supporters face a journey of more than 170 miles to Greater Manchester, which could take over three hours by road. For those relying on public transport, the journey is even more complicated, with early morning train changes and limited connections making it a logistical headache.
Holloway, who managed clubs including Blackpool, QPR, and Plymouth Argyle, says these types of fixtures risk alienating a vital part of the game’s lifeblood.
“The players feed off the energy from the stands,” he continued. “If the crowd is smaller or quieter because people simply couldn’t get there in time, you lose something special. TV money is important, but so are the people who sing, shout, and travel week in, week out. We can’t keep pushing them to the limit.”
The Football League has long tried to balance the needs of broadcasters with the matchday experience. Early kick-offs are often slotted into TV schedules to avoid clashing with Premier League fixtures or to provide live coverage during less busy windows. However, Holloway believes that more consideration should be given to the human cost.
He suggested that clubs and leagues could work together to ensure that, if early kick-offs are unavoidable, they are scheduled for games where travel distances are shorter. “You wouldn’t ask Oldham to play away at Plymouth at lunchtime—it just wouldn’t happen. So why is it fair the other way around?”
Some Swindon fans have voiced similar frustrations on social media, pointing out that they will have to leave before sunrise to arrive in Oldham with enough time to collect tickets, grab a bite, and settle in before kick-off. Others have hinted they may give the trip a miss entirely, choosing instead to watch on television.
Holloway fears that if the trend continues, more supporters will choose the sofa over the stadium, leading to a long-term drop in away followings and a flatter matchday feel.
“I love TV football—I’ve been part of it myself—but nothing beats being there in the flesh. If we make that harder and harder for people, we’ll lose something we can’t get back,” he warned.
The fixture at Boundary Park will still go ahead as planned, but Holloway’s comments will resonate with many who believe that the game’s decision-makers need to strike a better balance between broadcasting demands and the loyal fans who travel the length and breadth of the country.
Read more on;https://www.sportupdates.co.uk
Leave a Reply