Yeovil Town’s Chief Operations Officer, Nicholas Brayne, has addressed supporters ahead of Saturday’s National League fixture at Huish Park to highlight concerns about the shifting of game times to accommodate television coverage.
The Glovers' match against Gateshead on Saturday will kick off at 12:30pm, following the National League’s schedule for all games on the day, adjusted to allow live broadcasts by DAZN. Throughout August, DAZN has provided live coverage of every National League fixture via NLTV on its platform.
DAZN’s Chief Executive Officer, Shay Segev, described the National League as capturing the essence of football with passionate supporters, historic clubs, fierce rivalries and memorable moments. Marking their third season as the exclusive global broadcaster, Segev emphasised the expanded coverage, which includes every club featuring live matches more than 30 times this season and extensive coverage of the campaign’s opening month.
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Segev stated: “Whether you’re watching from the terraces, your living room or anywhere else in the world, DAZN is bringing supporters closer to the action and the stories that make this competition so compelling. We’re excited to bring the drama, authenticity and community spirit of the National League to audiences across the UK and globally.”
Meanwhile, Brayne has voiced his reservations regarding early kick-offs, which he believes may impact matchday attendance and revenues for lower-league clubs, often without adequate compensation. He said: “The 12.30pm kick-off is earlier than we would traditionally choose. I have previously expressed concerns around displaced kick-off times because they can affect attendances and matchday revenues without clubs necessarily being fully compensated for that impact.”
Despite these challenges, Brayne acknowledges the importance of the National League’s broadcast strategy to broaden the competition’s reach and supports the league in its efforts to grow the game. He added: “Our job at Yeovil is to adapt and make the matchday experience as attractive as possible regardless of kick-off time. So once again, I am asking you to come out in numbers on Saturday and get behind Billy and the players.”
In his letter to fans, Brayne also expressed gratitude for the strong support at the recent match against Carlisle United. He remarked that in his tenure at the club, he has not witnessed an atmosphere quite like that occasion, describing it as one of the largest home crowds under the club’s current ownership and highlighting the positive impact of the fans’ energy and encouragement.
He continued: “The players felt it. The management felt it. Your support gave the team energy and helped drive them forward. I have always believed that supporters should never simply be expected to turn up. Football is an entertainment business. We have a responsibility to put a team on the pitch that people can identify with, give supporters something to believe in and demonstrate a clear sense of direction.”
Brayne praised manager Billy and the playing squad for their connection with supporters and the club, suggesting signs of progress are beginning to emerge, albeit with cautious optimism.