Top-flight manager to wear microphone during live televised game on Sky Sports
Hibernian manager Nick Montgomery will wear a microphone during his team's televised game against Hearts on Wednesday.
The Edinburgh Derby will be shown live on Sky Sports. The broadcaster has confirmed some new innovations will be introduced for the huge clash, with Montgomery wearing a microphone. A member of his coaching staff will also wear a body camera.
Sky hope the innovations will "give a first-person perspective of the team on the pitch from the dugout". It's not just Hibs who have offered exclusive access, as Hearts will allow Sky's cameras to follow them in their team hotel and during their pre-match meal. A body camera will also be strapped to one of their players during their warm-up.
It's not the first time Sky have taken a unique approach to their live football coverage. The League One clash between Wycombe and Portsmouth last season was known as the 'Innovation Game', which saw various technological ideas implemented.
The referee's pre-match talk with both teams was filmed for the 'Innovation Game' and there were cameras placed in both dressing rooms. It's hoped Sky's latest idea will "capture the passion, drama and key moment" of the Edinburgh Derby.
Viddal Riley warns he is "too elite" to have toughness tested in next fightSky's director of football Gary Hughes is looking forward to seeing how the innovations work in practice. He said: "We strive to be at the forefront of innovation and continue to explore new ways we can enable fans to get closer to the action with our coverage.
"We are delighted to have been able to work alongside Hibs, Hearts and the SPFL, with a joint ambition to tell the story of this hugely competitive derby to our audience in a new and exciting way."
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Montgomery only took charge of Hibs in September after winning the league title with Central Coast Mariners in Australia. The former Sheffield United midfielder has won six of his 16 games in charge, with Hibs sixth in the Scottish Premiership.
Hearts are three places above Hibs and boast a game in hand, although the gap between the two local rivals is just two points. Celtic are top of the Scottish Premiership but only two points ahead of Rangers in second, having played a game more.
Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) CEO Neil Doncaster added: "We’re really pleased to have been able to work with both clubs and Sky Sports to showcase their latest broadcasting innovations, helping put supporters right at the heart of the action in the Edinburgh derby. It promises to be a cracking game and we’re excited to see how the technology brings the match experience even closer for viewing fans."