ESPN UK - Developed in less than two months

ESPN pulls out of talks to show Blue Square Premier matches

Clubs in the Blue Square Premier are facing a financial squeeze after negotiations with ESPN over Setanta's defunct contract with the league broke down.

The Blue Square Premier clubs were two years into a ground-breaking five‑year deal and banked around £80,000 annually from the Setanta deal, which became void when the Irish pay-TV broadcaster went bust this year after overpaying for key contracts and falling victim to the wider economic slump.

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Seems that they are simulcasting tonight's Inter v Udinese match coverage (including commentary) on at least two of their international channels. Reference being made to differing Serie A fixtures in different markets tomorrow.

My first opportunity to view ESPN's EPL coverage this evening and I must say I was greatly impressed. The graphics are tidy with neat animations, on a par with Sky's I'd say. A more than competent presenter in Ray Stubbs with excellent, balanced analysis; even Keegan offered some valuable insight. A very professional service overall then.

Devastated by the result mind, bizarrely.

I know, a Man Utd win would have been better. I'll get my coat...

Well that's because it is made by Sky and IMG Sports Media, it just uses ESPN branding which of course overseas viewers don't see.

Setanta do this for rugby games, for both yellow and (now very rare, but there was one yesterday!) red cards. They take away the yellows after the ten minute sin bin period is over though.

Has there be any news on how ESPN are doing with subscribers?

It seems to have settled in well as a channel (well there aren't as many people complaining about them as there were Setanta on DS!)

Just found this info on the BARB website...

Average daily reach - 244,000
Weekly reach - 1,176,000

Would ESPN be pleased with these number of not??

I must say it certainly feels like there is a lot less Premier League games on ESPN than there were on Setanta, despite this year there being 46 as there were on Setanta last year. Or perhaps Setanta just showed more towards the end of the season, and ESPN will do the same.

Going down to 23 next year is surely going to hit them hard though.

Their first two studio discussion programmes start this week, the first

Talk of the Terrace
This new programme aims to become ESPN's home of heated football debate. Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman invite opinionated contributions from footie fans via espn.co.uk/talkoftheterrace.

was shown at 6.30 tonight.

and

Between the Lines
Ray Stubbs and his talented team of tormentors take a sideways glance at the weekend's Premier League action, championing the cause of the obscure and the unusual.

gets a slot on Monday evenings at 7pm.

Has this ever been shown on TV...

http://www.brucedunlop.com/ and then select the ESPN image in the centre screen, really nicely done

I know that the parts with the man in front of a washing line wearing an Arsenal T-shirt and the woman and girl wearing Everton T-shirts were used as break bumpers during the Everton v. Arsenal game back when ESPN launched.

Not seen it in that form but the individual 'club' elements are used in conjunction with the 'checkerboard' continuity/breakbumper when the respective clubs are featured in the match the continuity/ad break surrounds.