Boreham Wood chairman Danny Hunter has launched a strong criticism of the National League and broadcaster DAZN over fixture scheduling, branding a planned late Sunday kick-off a 'complete joke' for away fans. Hunter's comments, reported by newsandstar.co.uk this week, focus on the impact on Carlisle United supporters who face a 580-mile round trip for a 4pm start on the last Sunday before Christmas.
Hunter said the situation is a "complete joke" that Carlisle United's fans must travel to his club for another late kick-off. He pointed to a pattern, asking, "I ask one simple question: how many more times are they [DAZN] going to punish the Carlisle United travelling supporters with these late games?"
The fixture is part of DAZN's '12 Games of Christmas' schedule for the National League. It sees Carlisle United visit Meadow Park, Boreham Wood's home ground, for a 4pm kick-off. This follows similar disruptions last season where Carlisle's away games at Southend United, Forest Green Rovers, and Boreham Wood were all moved to later slots. The club also played at Wealdstone last Friday with a 7:45pm start.
Why is the chairman speaking out?
Danny Hunter has expressed frustration at his inability to gain backing from the league or fellow club owners on the issue. He suggested that a shift in club ownership demographics is a factor, noting that many new owners are foreign and do not live in the country, potentially distancing them from the matchday experience of local fans. Hunter emphasised that Saturday football at the National League level is traditionally played at 3pm, a convention he believes should be respected for the sake of supporters who travel long distances.
His stance is not just about one fixture. Hunter sees the upcoming game against Rob Elliot's Carlisle United as a barometer of how far Boreham Wood has come over the last few years. The club currently sits first in the National League, one point clear of Sutton United with 13 points from five games. Their strong start, with a record of four wins, one draw, and no losses (WWWWD), includes 14 goals scored and seven conceded.
What is the broader context for Boreham Wood?
The scheduling controversy arrives as Boreham Wood enjoys its best form. Leading the table with a +7 goal difference, the team's performances on the pitch are a bright spot. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches, including the rescheduled Carlisle game, on the club's fixtures page. The current squad details are also available on the official squad list.
Hunter's criticism highlights a tension between broadcast demands and the traditional fan experience in the non-league game. While DAZN's coverage brings exposure and revenue, the rescheduling of games for television can impose significant burdens on away supporters, particularly those from geographically distant clubs like Carlisle United.
Where does the club go from here?
Despite the off-field dispute, the focus for Boreham Wood remains on maintaining their league position. The clash with Carlisle United at Meadow Park will be a tough test against a fellow professional side. Supporters will be keen to see if the team can continue its impressive early-season form, which is detailed in the full standings.
The next fixture after the televised game will be another important step in the campaign. Boreham Wood's strong defensive and offensive records so far this season will be key as they look to extend their lead at the top of the National League.
