10 December 2003
By David Lovett
BBC
Wales have agreed to talks with Wrexham following criticism by club chairman
Mark Guterman about what he called a ‘south Wales carve up’ at the Wales sports
personality of the year programme.
Guterman went to the celebrations in Cardiff with Wrexham assistant manager,
Kevin Russell, and Captain Darren Ferguson on Monday. Wrexham’s chairman
criticised the format, claiming there was too much south Wales bias in the
televised programme.
He claimed more was made of Swansea City’s escape from relegation rather than
Wrexham’s promotion. Guterman also complained Wrexham were not given the respect
they deserved for winning the FAW Premier Cup, which is sponsored by BBC Wales.
Nigel Walker, head of BBC Wales sport, saw last night’s Evening leader and rang
Guterman to agree with his complaints.
| Division 3 Season 2002/03 | |||||||||
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts | Pos |
| Wrexham | 46 | 23 | 15 | 8 | 84 | 50 | 34 | 84 | 3 |
| Swansea | 46 | 12 | 13 | 21 | 48 | 65 | -17 | 49 | 21 |
Today
a BBC Wales spokesman said: "Nigel Walker assured Mark Guterman that there was no
question of a south Wales bias, and explained that there would be a review of
the programme, as is the case each year. He also agreed to meet in the New Year
to discuss the matter further.
“Any complaint of this nature is always taken very seriously, which is why Nigel
Walker was so prompt to contact Mark Guterman on this matter.”
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