Alan Higgs Centre takes centre stage in argument for goal line technologyCoventry took centre stage as the argument to use technology in football gathered pace when the latest gadgets were tested in the city for a TV programme.
Former referee Graham Poll was on site to offer his expert analysis, while presenter Ortis Deeley fronted up the show which is due to hit television screens on Monday, September 13 at 8pm. The type of technology tested included bespoke high frequency bluetooth headsets, infra red cameras worth £14,000 each and copper conductive spray all of which were combined with specialist software and computers to help control the game. Tim Wagg, from the Gadget Show, said: “The inspiration is to ask why technology is not already in football. “We see the decisions like Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal at the World Cup and we all talk about technology but few of us have actually seen it in action. “We wanted to do what we do best, build our own gadgets and see if we can show the public how technology can be integrated into football if you think outside the box a little.” The programme makers also paid tribute to the facilities and staff at the Coventry Sports Foundation managed Alan Higgs Centre. “The Alan Higgs Centre provided the perfect location for us to test this technology out,” Wagg added. “They offered us flexibility, allowed us to work inside and out and the space was perfect for what we need. “The staff have been nothing but top class, a real dream for a researcher trying to set up a shoot and I hope we can use the location again.” The show’s researchers had looked at several other high profile locations in the Midlands before deciding on the final filming location and Graeme Truswell, manager of The Alan Higgs Centre, believed the choice was a glowing endorsement of the site. He said: “To have been selected as the location for the filming of this programme is a great honour and a real stamp of approval for our facilities in comparison to others on offer in the region. “The provision of indoor and outdoor facilities means we can offer something slightly different to other leisure centres and we believe the quality of the site here at the Alan Higgs Centre is amongst the very best in the region. “We are delighted to have played a part in the making of this programme and we would welcome them back with open arms.” To see the how the technology stood up to the test tune into Five on Monday, September 13 at 8pm. ENDS Media enquiries: Simon Gilbert Advent Communications 2 Edison Building Electric Wharf Sandy Lane Coventry CV1 4JA Tel: 024 7663 3636 http://www.advent- # # # Advent Communications is a well-established public relations consultancy based in Coventry. In ten years it has built a reputation as a practical provider of news driven PR to a range of industry sectors. End
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