STOCKPORT County boss Jim Gannon is unhappy with the amount of power Sky Television is exerting over football.

County have to travel down to Wycombe Wanderers on Sunday evening for the first leg of their play-off semi-final to fit in with the TV schedule.

Gannon believes that teams are being disrespected, having to fit in around broadcasters' needs when it could be the other way around.

County have already suffered because of Sky's requirements when they were forced to play their FA Cup first round replay at Staines on a Thursday night in November.

"Logistically, it's a poor time to play on a Sunday evening," said Gannon. "I've had my issues with Sky personally, but as a professional I think they're running the FA.

"I think everything seems to be arranged around their requirements. We've seen that with the Staines game.

"Other managers in the Premier League have complained about the way fixtures are arranged. It's just unfortunate that they have more power than the FA.

"It shows disrespect to professionals who are preparing for two very important games."

Proved

The semi-final first leg will take place at Adams Park next Sunday (6pm).

The return leg at Edgeley Park will be played on Saturday, May 17, again with a 6pm kick-off.

Whatever happens against Wycombe or a possible Wembley play-off, Gannon believes his side have already proved themselves this season.

Victory over Brentford on Saturday meant County finished fourth in League Two, following on from last season when they missed out on the play-offs on goal difference.

"All we wanted to do was make progress on last year, challenge ourselves and drive on," said Gannon. "After last season, no-one knew where we were heading or what we could achieve. After this season people will think we are back.

"We're a club to be proud of, we're a club that's going places. That's down to the quality of the players who have grown within this club."