Big changes... Manager Unai Emery oversees a Villa training session.(Image: Getty Images)
Aston Villa and Wolves supporters are set for a treat next season when they are handed the opportunity to watch extended training sessions with mic'd up managers get in another broadcasting shake-up planned for 2025/26.
With the new season just a few weeks away, broadcasters have been brainstorming innovative ways to keep fans hooked.
It's already been disclosed that coverage from inside dressing room and interviews with substituted players could become a regular feature next term. Now it seems top-flight clubs will be offering fans even more behind-the-scenes access.
As reported by the Mail, training sessions will be included in the revamped broadcasting package. An amendment to Section K of the Premier League rules now requires each club to allow the League's production partner to film a 30-minute 'Enhanced Training Session'.
One player is expected to be equipped with a mic pack for audio, with the manager and a coach also being mic'd up. Previously, clubs were required to open their doors to broadcasters, but only to film footage.
In this enhanced coverage, clubs are expected to provide a shortlist of five starting players who could potentially participate in a body cam session. Clubs have the option to film the footage themselves, but they must adhere to the League's production brief.
They will then have 24 hours to approve the final edit. While there may be worries about sensitive information being leaked, it seems the Premier League has already considered this.
Reports suggest strict safeguarding measures will be implemented to keep sensitive information like tactical plans and team selections under wraps as clubs adapt to the new approach.
The new approach is similar to that deployed by UEFA in the Champions League.
Clubs are allowed to decide whether the minimum 15 minutes is open to the media, or alternatively the entire session. However, should this not occur on the day before a game then a club must make ‘alternative arrangements’ with UEFA to provide media with access of the team’s pre-match preparations such as a stadium walk-around.
Sky Sports have upped their broadcasting offering ahead of next season, with at least 215 top-flight matches set to be televised from the 2025/26 campaign.