The Gardeners' World Blog

The Premiership contract allows us to mount a midweek Match of the Day when there are at least six games played in a given midweek. Or, in exceptional circumstances, with prior agreement. So, once Chelsea v Manchester United moved from the FA Cup semi-final weekend and was scheduled for live transmission by Sky on the last Wednesday of the season, we applied for just such permission. Hence an extra-curricular MOTD this midweek (Wednesday 9 May, 2310 BST on BBC ONE).

We - and Sky - rather hoped we'd be showing a title showdown. Instead, we have a Cup Final dress rehearsal (minus some of the cast, no doubt) or, as some Liverpool fans have suggested, a 3rd place play-off for the Champions League! Nothing against either team (and United have been worthy winners) but, unless your own team's involved, as programme-makers we want the season's drama to go the distance. Once again, though, a fantastic relegation battle has lasted to the very last day.