BLUES fans will have to wait until at least October before seeing their heroes live on Sky TV.More importantly, the club have missed out on an early-season financial boost after failing to be included in the first two months of the television scheduling.

BLUES fans will have to wait until at least October before seeing their heroes live on Sky TV.

More importantly, the club have missed out on an early-season financial boost after failing to be included in the first two months of the television scheduling.

With a £60,000 fee for the home team and £10,000 for the visitors, being shown live on Sky is an important income for Nationwide sides.

Newly-relegated Sunderland will have four of their opening 11 games screened live, including their Carling Cup tie against Mansfield Town.

West Ham's trip to Preston is the first Nationwide game to go out as will their trip to Derby in October but they are not due to be shown live at home. The Boxing Day clash with Ipswich Town at Upton Park is regarded as a likely ratings-grabber but Town will hope to be shown live at home before then.

Norwich City's game at Stoke City in September is their only television date so far with the kick-off moving to 5.35pm.