Newcastle Sign Deal With ITV

By Matthew Jones
August 20 2004

Live coverage of Newcastle United's UEFA Cup home matches at St James' Park will be shown live on ITV. The competition starts on September 16th and 30 (the two-legs) and the game will be on either ITV1 or ITV2. The broadcaster also has the rights for all Newcastle home games up to the semi-final.

An ITV spokesman said:

"We're delighted to team up with Newcastle United, having covered their quarter-final and semi-final in the competition last year. They have made some excellent additions to their squad over the close season and will once again be an exciting team to watch.

"We have always enjoyed a great relationship with the club and in particular with Sir Bobby Robson who is a key member of the ITV commentary team during major football tournaments."

Freddy Shepherd added:

"We are delighted to have signed a deal with ITV Sport to broadcast our UEFA Cup matches this season.

"We have a terrific and long-standing relationship with ITV who are great friends of the club and we are certain the deal will be of mutual benefit to both parties. Let's hope they can follow us all the way to Lisbon next May!"