The BBC will cover the FA Cup game against Gillingham, but not as extensively as Portsmouth |
The match between step two side Hereford and League Two Kent-based Gillingham has been selected by the BBC for single camera footage, not the full-coverage received for Portsmouth last season.
But the Gills said as this does not require the game to be moved, the Edgar Street staff and volunteers are working to get everything in place for kick off at 3pm on Saturday 4 November.
The BBC and ITV have instead chosen to show Sheppey United v Walsall, Bromley v Blackpool, Chesterfield v Portsmouth, Crewe Alexandra v Derby County and Charlton Athletic v Cray Valley (PM).
Each of the clubs involved in these ties will receive a live broadcast fee in addition to any payments from the competition’s prize fund, the FA said. Last year, Hereford received £50,000 for the Portsmouth coverage and, based on the same pricing this year, will get £5,000 for the single-camera highlights.
Chairman Chris Ammonds said he wanted to send a massive ‘thank you’ to all the club's staff and volunteers - under the stewardship of general manager Jamie Griffiths - for their hard work this week.
"So much extra to do at the mo due to our exciting FA Cup run and your efforts are really appreciated," he said.
As part of that work, supporters are being encouraged to buy their tickets in advance, including in-person sales at the club shop.
Due to the expected high demand, the club said it wasn't unable to commit to phone sales, but would endeavour to answer as many phone calls as possible. A time-consuming task, you would expect.
With season ticket holders, squad builder donators, supporters' trust members, Junior Bulls and Curzon Ashton voucher holders all having priority booking, that must present extra work as well.
A larger-than-usual away following could also mean different stewarding and policing arrangements, as well as the need for a catering van in the Blackfriars End, as was in place for Rochdale in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round. For the FA Cup tie against Portsmouth last season, there was a also a marquee set up for away fans and also outside Radfords.
There would also be a whole host of work which will go unnoticed by most fans.
Despite the extra work, the prize money is lucrative. Having already accrued £18,375 from beating Anstey Nomads, Cambridge City and Rochdale - plus half of the gate money - £41,000 will be given to first round proper winners.
Again, gate receipts will be split after expenses like match officials, stewards, policing and first aid, but the Bulls have been able to set their own prices. That's £18 for adults in the Meadow End, slightly higher than the usual £16.50.
Gillingham are yet to announce a new manager so assistant Keith Millen may still be running matters when they meet Hereford in the FA Cup a week next Saturday.
It is over a month since Neil Harris left.
There is press speculation that Crawley manager Scott Lindsey may take over. But compensation might be a sticking point.