The Fishy - Grimsby Town FC

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Chairmans Message
Chairmans Message

Keeping The Record Straight

By: John Fenty
Date: 15/08/2006

JOHN Fenty has responded to my article on the Fishy which was my version of the events that John made in his statement. We will as usual give his message the same prominence as we gave mine despite the fact that this is the first time The Fishy has ever been mentioned on Mariners Net.

Mr Fenty said: "Obviously Billo is very close to the source of the information. I noted media partners stick together from the past, although recognising Billo's general impartiality, sensible approach about many issues and as such, it would surprise me if this article didn't get due prominence on The Fishy.

It would be inappropriate to take Billo's article and in turn comment on every contentious point made, however, to ensure people have a full understanding of the facts centered around the BBC Radio Humberside offer it is necessary to clarify the following.

As a point of accuracy, the club's representatives who were at the meeting with Radio Humberside, asked Simon Pattern, the station's managing editor, what offer was on the table.

When asked, Mr pattern initially appeared to be offering the same figure (£6000) as last time, but was interrupted by Dave Burns, who felt that the figure should be lower, in fact in his opinion the club should be paying BBC RH for their services.

Mr Patternthen confirmed that Radio Humberside were prepared to offer £5000 for the same entitlement that existed under the previous agreement.

The club decided to write to BBC RH the next day to decline their offer of £5000 and extended an invitation to take match commentaries under the auspices of the centrally negotiated BBC/FL radio broadcast agreement.

The chairman then received a call from Simon Pattern on the 4-8-06 - one day before the season started to express disappointment at the club's written refusal to accept the £5,000 offer, there was absolutely no suggestion that there could be an improved offer. The only discussion ensued was as to each others entrenched view about the value of the deal and why there could be no further negotiation. Mr. Pattern stated the station would not broadcast any live games for the season and that they would not provide commentary for Mariners World to which I expressed my disappointment.

If BBC RH have £5k to spend on Grimsby Town FC then they have a duty as a public service body to provide match commentaries to that value to the license fee payers interested in Grimsby Town within the Humberside broadcast area.

We have no dispute with BBC RH and their commentary rights are protected with the BBC/FL contract. We can't say no. We won't say no and under the terms of the new BBC/FL agreement its also 20% cheaper to do commentary than last season.

It is unfortunate that BBC RH have chosen to act in a manner that is not only detrimental to the Club but also to its listeners and license fee payers.

If you are unhappy with the situation please e-mail Charles Runcie, Head of BBC Sport to express your opinion at the following email address: charles.runcie@bbc.co.uk Re: Mariners World

To conclude I can confirm that the club have already purchased equipment suitable to provide live broadcast for Mariners World and that the program will be presented at no cost to the club home or away.

Please let it drop, if there is to be a change of heart it is not likely to happen by me continually having to justify the club's position. Either way sometimes there are no winners and we just have to get on with it."

Yours sincerely

John Fenty
Chairman - Grimsby Town Football Club


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This site is by the fans, for the fans, and we will consider articles on any subject relating to the Mariners whether it be related to current news, a nostalgic look back in the past, a story about a player, a game or games in the past, something about Blundell Park or football in general. Click here to submit your article!


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