Boro s commercial manager Clive Abrey believes the advent of television coverage on Setanta Sports can only benefit the profile of the Blue Square Premier. Opinion may be divided among supporters so far this season with games being switched at short noti

Boro's commercial manager Clive Abrey believes the advent of television coverage on Setanta Sports can only benefit the profile of the Blue Square Premier.

Opinion may be divided among supporters so far this season with games being switched at short notice, often from Saturday afternoons to Thursday evenings.

But Abrey feels the increased exposure can only ultimately prove beneficial.

He said: "It's fantastic for football at this level to get the coverage.

"The coverage itself is great and raises the profile of each club, the league and non-league football in general.

"Setanta have thrown a lot of money at it and I'm sure it's not their intention to annoy anyone."

The latest fixture to be moved due to television coverage is the first visit of Kidderminster Harriers to Boro since the FA Trophy final in May.

The game has been moved forward 48 hours to Thursday, March 13 (7.45pm) from the following Saturday purely for the benefit of Setanta Sports.

Boro's trip to Salisbury City next month has also been brought forward (to March 27).

Abrey is aware of the concerns of some fans about the way the traditional kick-off time of 3pm on a Saturday is being eroded just like in the Premiership.

He continued: "Despite the advantages, saying that, the supporters are the lifeblood of any club. It's frustrating for people when games are moved and it would be nice if they were given more notice.

"Going to somewhere like Farsley Celtic on a Thursday night might be difficult for people.

"It's the first season and maybe these are the sort of things Setanta will take on board for next season."

Abrey added that there are certain benefits to Boro's matches being televised.

"It does obviously give more fans the chance to watch their team play on television.

"And from a commercial viewpoint, it's probably just swings and roundabouts. Most of the people with advertising boards are happier but some of the hospitality people are perhaps less so because of the change of games from Saturdays to Thursdays."

What do you think about the Setanta Sports coverage this season and for the future? Email your views to The Comet at: marcus.crawley@thecomet.net