The Footie Fool

It looks like the end of the road for Sportsnet’s Super Soccer Saturday, the weekly triple header of EPL games hosted by Craig Forest and Gerry Dobson.

According to the Globe and Mail, a new specialty channel, Setanta Sports, will be broadcasting the bulk of EPL games next season, with The Score picking up one Saturday morning game.

It’s looking like Sportsnet is throwing all it’s soccer resources behind Toronto FC, which is great and what they should do. But I’m not a happy footie fool about the EPL taking the fall.

The Saturday morning triple header has become staple viewing in my house. Not that I can usually watch all three games, but with three to choose from, I was certain to get at least one fairly major game. In addition, there was a good chance that Arsenal were involved in one of the three.

I realize there are global economic forces involved in this. The decision is probably out of Sportsnets hands, but still they have been the standard bearer for EPL coverage for the last upteen years in Canada and I hate the thought of starting my weekend without Craig, Gerry and the triple header.

So far, the cable carrier in my area has not indicated whether or not they will carry Setanta when they launch in July. But, whatever happens, it’s looking like I am going to be forced to cough up extra dollars for digital cable and the subscription packages to go along with them, be they Setanta or Fox SportsWorld. Sorry kids. New shoes will have to wait.

Combined with the botchup TSN is making with their Champions League coverage by moving their live games off their regular network and onto something called their alternate signal (which, if anybody knows how to get please let me know), and you’ve got a pretty cranky footie fan on your hands. At least I know I am not alone in my TV whining. Footie Girl, I feel your pain!