Derby date

[flo]

Just wondering if this is true: I was reading Wikipedias article about the Merseyside derby and found this:

This local derby is also unique in the fact that the fixtures are played in a certain order. Since 2003, an agreement has been in place to hold the first derby of every season at Goodison Park, and the second at Anfield. There are several benefits to this arrangement: not only does this prevent long waits between home derbies for either team, but ensures that the flow of television revenue is more even due to the fact that the second derby cannot always be televised on Sky. Reasons for this vary, from cup commitments or late-season fixture congestion.

Is this really true? Is there an agreement? I thought clubs can't influence the fixture list. Does anyone know? It's just because I have the plan to visit Goodison for the derby next year.

 

[Brennan]

Clubs can request certain fixtures.

 

[jtl60]

Clubs can request certain fixtures.

This and I think the Police have a say as well.

 

[Wat Tyler]

That's poor.

 

[toffeejack]

it's our request. RS's request is to not play on hillsborough anniversary

 

[EFC Si]

anyone know why we request it?

 

[Seamus Colemole]

anyone know why we request it?

Well both Everton and the Premier League have denied that the fixtures are anything but random so quite why they'd lie i don't know.

 

[EFC Si]

Well both Everton and the Premier League have denied that the fixtures are anything but random so quite why they'd lie i don't know.

I can't recall them denying it or admitting it; if you have though fair enough. Just don't see what benefit it has?

 

[Dell Boy]

I don't think they've denied it. It seems pure pragmatism from the club. An early derby is guarenteed to sell out quickly and be on TV

- actually wonder whether premiership TV money is shared 50:50 or not?

 

[Seamus Colemole]

They have denied it :

Fixtures are drawn at random and we have absolutely no say in how the derby is drawn.