BBC's new goal
Sky's domination of sport in pubs faces some new competition - from the oldest kid on the block. Tom Sandham reports.
Witnessing Garth Crooks barking "Goal!" as his beloved Tottenham Hotspur scores a second goal was an amusing sight, more so when it transpired that the effort failed to take his team to a draw against Charlton. But his enthusiasm was commendable and anyone who watched him could have been momentarily transported to the sidelines, such was his description of events unfolding at White Hart Lane. If you'd witnessed the strictly "unbiased" performance from the former Spurs striker, you'd have been watching him on the BBC's rolling scores desk. Thanks to interactive telly, the BBC shows similar exuberant exhibitions every weekend on Score Interactive, which runs on Saturday matchdays through the Freeview box.
The show kicks off during Grandstand and viewers enjoy uninterrupted results coverage by hitting the red button at 3.25pm before returning to BBC1 at 4.30pm for Final Score.
It keeps viewers informed on every goal in the football league, and boasts a host of former players providing the debate as the matches are played - the next best thing to seeing the game in the flesh, the BBC would argue, and something it is keen to push in pubs.
"The BBC stable has some of the top names in football providing the best insights into the games," says editor Mark Cole. "In recent weeks we've had Premier League and FA Cup double winner Lee Dixon of Arsenal, along with Manchester United's double winner Gary Pallister. We've also had Garth Crooks, a former FA Cup winner and last week had Efan Ekoku, who recently stopped playing at Norwich.
"That's the most important thing about the panel - they have all been in the game in recent years. Everyone likes to have a say on football matters and in a pub a debate between ex-players can spark plenty of banter," he says.
Scoring in pubs
While the service could easily attract interest in pubs on a slow Saturday afternoon, Score Interactive is far from a new concept, and faces stiff competition from the Sky product, which has been available to subscribers for years.
Gillette Soccer Saturday is only available through Sky Sports 1 though, so if you don't subscribe you won't pick it up. This makes the interactive BBC offering good news for those who have dropped the Sky package because of the spiralling costs.
Garth Crooks is not sure that this is the point though. "It's about putting out the best possible programme, we're not looking to compete with anyone," he says. "If you look at our team it's obvious that it has quality. We all get very competitive with each other about the games."
The show is anchored by presenter Ray Stubbs (pictured). "What we are doing is the same as people are doing in pubs around the country," he says. "We just raise the issues that encourage more debate. If you can't get to a game then this is a great way to keep in touch with the day's results and adds a bit of atmosphere on a Saturday afternoon."
It's true that if you're a fan and at a loose end on a Saturday, the service provides comprehensive coverage, and this could well be a draw for customers. Whether licensees will pick up on it is another matter. Gordon Jackson, licensee at the Cock at Roade in Roade Northants is on his way to being convinced.
"If the BBC is offering a package that's similar or better than the one on Sky it's possible that we'll be turning over," he says. "Licensees have to think long and hard about paying out for Sky and there's probably more loyalty towards the BBC. But the BBC would still have to have a better programme."
Converting licensees
The BBC is set to follow interactive football results with interactive darts when the World Darts Championships start, boasting that every dart thrown will be televised. This might bring more viewers but Sky has always been a tough nut to crack and offering an alternative doesn't automatically mean licensees will be converted.
"If I'm paying the vast sums for my Sky, I might as well use it," says Charlie Way at the Legh Arms, Knutsford, Manchester. "It's six of one and half a dozen of the other when it comes to which is better but I won't be converting just yet."
Pundits' view on pubs
- Garth Crooks: "I'll eat in a pub at least once a week, they offer the public a great service and I love them. I'd be delighted if a smoking ban came in - most sportsmen and women would."
Favourite drink: Gin and tonic (to be fair he said Leffe first)
Ray Stubbs: "I love the buzz of a pub, they're a vital part of our communities. I don't see how anyone can blame them for this binge-drinking culture. Some promotions are irresponsible but the responsibility should always lie with the individual."
Favourite drink: Corona
