THE kick-off for Town’s next home match against Luton will stay at 12.00 regardless of whether the Giants have a game at the Galpharm on the same day.
The football club brought forward their League I clash on Saturday week because the rugby league club could be playing Wigan in the Super League play-offs at 7.00.
That will happen if Wigan win at Bradford on Friday and the Giants beat Hull at the KC Stadium on Saturday.
But even if the two games in a day scenario, which would be a first for the stadium, fails to materialise, Town’s lunchtime start will remain intact.
“Because of the Sky TV schedules, the rugby would have to start at 7.00,” explained Town secretary Ann Hough, pictured.
“Given the organisational factors, there’s no way our kick-off could have remained at 3.00, and we looked at all the possibilities.
“Football League rules state the game must remain on the same weekend, but playing on the Friday would have been unacceptable to Luton because they have a game the previous Tuesday.
“Switching to the Sunday wasn’t good either, because there is a full programme of fixtures the following Tuesday, when we are at home to Nottingham Forest.
“Luton had already fixed an overnight stay, and they were understanding when we suggested a switch to 12.00.
“It’s not ideal, particularly for Luton supporters and any of our fans who work on Saturday mornings, but it’s the best solution we could come up with.
“Because of things like catering and police cover, we couldn’t have left the decision any longer, and for the same reasons, we couldn’t now switch back to 3.00.”
