We have to lay the guidelines of what the media can and cannot do but it’s about giving something to everyone so we are all happy
The £250,000 cost to the club of
built in the media era, so incorporates standard elements of provision to cater for broadcasting. “We have a purpose- built outside broadcast area and trunking already in place, which crosses an external road from where trucks and vans are parked then skirts the perimeter of the pitch.”
Behind the positive talk lies a wealth of
professionalism gained from his long experience with the day-to-day nitty- gritty of preparing a ground for broadcast play. Despite his background in groundcare, Cooper steers well clear of a ‘keep off my turf ’ policy when handling media requirements. “I maintain an open, honest approach and sit down with everyone to talk through camera positions and so on, to ensure the fans enjoy an uninterrupted view. We have to lay the guidelines of what the media can and cannot do, but it’s about giving something to everyone so we are all happy. They have a job to do, the same as I do, within constraints and they all have rights.”
“hard-wiring” to the 20-25 permanent camera positions in the stadium has been waived under a dispensation covering Hull’s first year in the Premiership, Cooper reveals. “Some cameras are pitchside, some are sited in the upper tier of the west stand along with other television gear, but we have to consider the financial implications also. A camera located behind the goals kills seats and we suffer a loss of revenue. So, once positions are decided on, they are set in concrete. But, whatever we discuss, the aim is always to reach an amicable agreement but, if there is ever an issue concerning the pitch, the rule is always to speak to the head groundsman.”
The movable units pitchside are
arguably an even greater concern for Cooper, who must focus on the safety of both spectators and officials. “If there’s a potential problem, we talk,” he stresses once more.
“If we stay in the top flight, we will have to bear the cost ourselves, which is considerable. It will be our property then. What a lovely problem to have though. For now, we are just enjoying the ride.”
“But, first things first. A lot has happened in a short time here. Our priority is to set a sound financial foundation and to move forwards.
However, I should know by next March or April where we stand and, if it looks like we are staying up, I will start talking to cable suppliers.” If Cooper has a secret to a successful
relationship with the media, who regularly cram the stadium, it is to communicate fully with everyone. “We can leave nothing to chance, so I ensure everyone talks to each other. There’s an operational order to cover every event.” And that definitely includes the
groundstaff. “Their priority is to produce the best surface for play and for TV, so I believe the more they are kept in touch with every aspect of the operations, the better. It’s important to make people feel wanted and, having been heavily involved as a groundsman here, I know that those who produce the playing surface can be the forgotten people of football. Let them take the plaudits for the great work they do.” Mark Harrison, Head Groundsman at Hull City FC, admits that his team rarely come into major contact with TV crews, in part thanks to Cooper’s belt and braces policy of total communication. However, relations are nothing if not harmonious at a stadium currently attracting fervent interest as the Tigers continue to achieve the impossible. “They know that they can approach me if they want something,” says Mark, another longstanding member of the
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