10 November 2008
ROSS COUNTY – AIRDRIE – CHALLENGE CUP FINAL – LIVE ON TV
The SFL's ALBA Challenge Cup final, that will see first division rivals Ross County take on Airdrie United, will be televised live on BBC ALBA, the new Gaelic television channel.
The final is taking place on Sunday 16 November at the neutral stadium of McDiarmid Park, Perth. Kick-off is at 3pm and programme coverage commences at 2.45pm, featuring interviews with players, and managers from each club.
The fortunes of Ross County and Airdrie United have been intertwined over the last few years. Both clubs were relegated together and then Ross County was promoted as Champions last year when Airdrie regained first division status.
The match being broadcast live on BBC ALBA is available on Sky channel 168 and on Freesat channel 110. BBC ALBA will also be televising two in-depth features next Saturday 15 November, with a behind the scenes look at each club in their preparations for the final.
BBC ALBA is a partnership service between BBC Scotland and MG ALBA. MG ALBA is this year’s title sponsor of the Scottish Football League’s ALBA Challenge Cup.
Alan Esslemont, Head of Content for BBC ALBA said: "The ALBA Challenge Cup has proved that the SFL offers an excellent level of football which should be enjoyed by a Scotland wide audience through live television coverage. I am delighted that BBC ALBA is providing this much needed service through coverage of one of the semi finals as well as this Sunday’s live final.
"This year’s competition has been extremely exciting and there’s always a true community spirit attached to it. With Ross County currently sitting 6th in the Scottish First Division and Airdrie United sitting 8th, the final is sure to be a very close and exciting match and I wish both teams the best of luck."
David Longmuir, Chief Executive of the Scottish Football League said: "The SFL are absolutely delighted that MG ALBA is this year’s title sponsor of the ALBA Challenge Cup. BBC ALBA has brought live football back onto the television screen for first, second and third division clubs, which is fantastic news. It has been twelve years since we last had the Challenge Cup final broadcast live on television so it’s a very exciting time for all involved. I’m sure that the association between the SFL and MG ALBA is mutually beneficial to both parties and I wish them every success with the new channel."
Stuart Golabek, Ross County FC Captain, said: "As a Club we are very much looking forward to Sunday’s final against Airdrie. It is a huge bonus for us to have the match on live television which has created a great atmosphere in the build up. Being live on television will allow a larger number of spectators across the county to enjoy the final and I’m sure there will also be a large supporting crowd on the day at McDiarmid Park. Sunday will be a tough and exciting game for both players and club supporters."
Paul Lovering, Airdrie United FC Captain, said: "We are delighted to be in the final of the ALBA Challenge Cup. We have already played Ross County twice this season and the honours are even so far, which makes it all the more exciting. The prospect of being on live television has given the game that added bit of glamour. It is fair to say that at this level there are players on both sides who will never have experienced anything like it. Some players never get to a final and here we are in one that will be watched all over Scotland.
"The build up has been fantastic with pre match filming by BBC ALBA and press interviews. As a Club we are determined to enjoy every minute of it. Who knows what Sunday will bring but we are certainly counting the days. Bring it on!!"
The live coverage will complement BBC ALBA's premier sports package which is being provided in association with MNE Media to broadcast one Clydesdale Bank Premier League match every Saturday night, on BBC ALBA over the next two seasons.
Ross County: (left to right) – Defender Mark McCulloch and midfielder Richard Brittian
Airdrie: (left to right) - Kenny Black, Manager, Paul Lovering, Airdrie United FC Captain and Jimmy Boyle
For further information please contact Ramsay Smith or Lorna Inglis at Media House on 0141 220 6040 or email: ramsay@mediahouse.co.uk / lorna@mediahouse.co.uk
Notes to editors:
MG ALBA, in partnership with the BBC, has launched BBC ALBA, which is available on Sky channel 168 and on Freesat channel 110.
BBC ALBA is expected to become available on cable in due course. Subject to review by the BBC Trust, BBC ALBA will become available on Freeview after digital switchover in 2010. More information on BBC ALBA can be had online at www.bbcalba.co.uk.
MG ALBA and the BBC have established a partnership to deliver digital television, radio and online services in Gaelic. BBC ALBA is broadcast under a BBC licence. To find out more about how the partnership works visit www.mgalba.com.
MG ALBA is the operating name of Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig (Gaelic Media Service), which is funded by the Scottish Government and regulated by Ofcom. MG ALBA stands for Meadhanan Gàidhlig Alba, or Gaelic Media Scotland.