Hearts play part in eye-popping TV figures as Neil Doncaster hails 'incredible interest' in title race for the ages
The SPFL Group Chief Executive is rubbing his hands at the prospect of a dramatic Premiership conclusion.
After recent seven-figure Sky Sports viewership figures have been released, Neil Doncaster is hoping that the title race between Hearts, Celtic and Rangers goes down to the wire.
The three clubs have contributed to one of the most dramatic and entertaining title races the league has ever seen, which has been reflected in the viewing figures. An audience of over 670,000 tuned in to Hearts’ 4-2 defeat against Rangers at Ibrox last month - the highest figures produced from the fixture in recent memory. Meanwhile, last weekend’s Old Firm Derby at the same venue reached a peak viewership of 1.15 million.
It is no surprise that this season the SPFL Premiership is producing these record numbers with very little to separate the teams at the top. Hearts currently sit five points ahead of Celtic and six ahead of Rangers, while in-form Motherwell mustn’t be written off just yet in fourth. The top-flight split has the potential to add further interest to the already-enthralling race, as each team will have to face a title rival at least once between now and the end of the season.
Doncaster on ‘incredible interest’ of Scottish title race
SPFL group chief executive, Doncaster hopes that the race lasts right up until the season’s conclusion in May from both a personal and business perspective. He said: "It promises to be one of the most dramatic conclusions to a William Hill Premiership in many years, and it’s great to see such strong viewing figures for recent matches on Sky Sports.
"These numbers reinforce the incredible interest building around the title race and the appetite among supporters to follow every twist and turn as the season reaches its climax. With so much still to play for across the division, supporters can look forward to a thrilling run-in, and it’s great that fans will be able to follow the action live on Sky Sports in the weeks ahead."
Sky Sports acquire rights for upcoming fixtures
Hearts’ fixture away to Livingston recently got rescheduled for Sunday, April 5 at 2:00pm (GMT) to accommodate the Sky Sports cameras. While Rangers’ upcoming trip to Falkirk and Celtic’s away fixture against Dundee has also been chosen to broadcast by the media giants. Sky Sports’ Director of Football, Gary Hughes is also enjoying the twists and turns of the race and pledges that his company will continue to broadcast it at the highest standard.
He added: "The SPFL title race is one of the great stories of the football season. The league has already produced plenty of drama on and off the pitch and it’s brilliant to see so many fans tuning in. With so much still to play for, Sky Sports is excited to bring unrivalled coverage of the biggest matches, providing expert analysis of all the twists and turns during the run-in."