SPFL Premiership manager to be MIC’D UP during live TV match as viewers get to hear his instructions to players

ONE of the constant criticisms from football fans in Scotland is that broadcasters aren’t innovative enough with their coverage.

But Sky Sports have teamed up with Hibs as they deliver a few MAJOR changes in their coverage of this week’s Edinburgh derby.

Getty

Sky Sports are set to announce some major innovations[/caption]

Kenny Ramsay

Nick Montgomery will be mic’d up for the match[/caption]

The Jambos visit Easter Road on Wednesday 27 with Hibs boss Nick Montgomery set to wear a microphone during the match, enabling fans watching at home to hear his coaching from the sidelines.

He will also speak to the commentary team as the game goes on – with assistant boss Sergio Raimundo wearing a bodycam to give a first-person perspective of the team from the dugout.

There will also be cameras in the Hibs dressing room pre-match, at half-time, and at full-time.

A Sky statement read: “Supporters will also notice a difference with the matchday interviews with Nick Montgomery being interviewed in his office and a Hibs player during his match preparation inside the dressing room.

“At full-time there will also be on-pitch interviews.

“The broadcast aims to capture the passion, drama and key moments of the derby, and follows Sky Sports’ EFL ‘Innovation Game’ last season, which included new behind- the-scenes access for the broadcast of the Wycombe vs Portsmouth match in League One.

“Hearts have also agreed to a number of activations with Sky Sports for this fixture.

“Coverage starts on Sky Sports Football at 7pm on Wednesday 27 December, 2023.”

Gary Hughes, Director of Football Sky Sports said: “We strive to be at the forefront of innovation and continue to explore new ways we can allow fans to get closer to the action with our coverage. We are so pleased to have been able to work alongside Hibs, Hearts and the SPFL, with a joint ambition to tell the story of this hugely competitive derby to our audience in a new and exciting way.”

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “We’re really pleased to have been able to work with both clubs and Sky Sports to showcase their latest broadcasting innovations, helping put supporters right at the heart of the action in the Edinburgh Derby.

“It promises to be a cracking game and we’re excited to see how the technology brings the match experience even closer for viewing fans.”

Hibs head of communications Adam Tomlinson said: “It’s been magnificent to work with Sky Sports over the last few months as we aim to give supporters an extra insight into a Hibernian FC matchday and our coaching staff.

“As a club we pride ourselves on being pioneers in the Scottish game and we will reaffirm that through a number of broadcasting innovations on the 27^th.”

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