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Been following the athletics from Beijing & really appreciating the insight & intelligence of Michael Johnson
He, along with McEnroe and Gary Neville surely must represent the very best of those who've turned from participating to commentating.
Any better offers?
He, along with McEnroe and Gary Neville surely must represent the very best of those who've turned from participating to commentating.
Any better offers?
In reply to Greenbanks:
Martin Brudle
Stephen Hendry
Peter Allis
All three are at the same level as yours
Martin Brudle
Stephen Hendry
Peter Allis
All three are at the same level as yours
Post edited at 22:59
In reply to Greenbanks:
I really like Marianne Vos on cycling and David Millar is getting there his insight is very good, just hasn't nailed delivery
I really like Marianne Vos on cycling and David Millar is getting there his insight is very good, just hasn't nailed delivery
In reply to goldmember:
I ought maybe to have indicated that I was after sportsmen/women who have been to the very top of their sport
Of yours, Hendry yes, but the other two no (Alliss no Majors and Brundle no F1 championship)
I ought maybe to have indicated that I was after sportsmen/women who have been to the very top of their sport
Of yours, Hendry yes, but the other two no (Alliss no Majors and Brundle no F1 championship)
In reply to Greenbanks:
Steve Backley as the commentator on the field events is pretty good too. Seems to have made the effort to gen up on all the field events and not just the throws.
Though Michael Johnson is excellent. Almost glad the US TV doesn't give a shit about 'track and field' as it means we can have him
Steve Backley as the commentator on the field events is pretty good too. Seems to have made the effort to gen up on all the field events and not just the throws.
Though Michael Johnson is excellent. Almost glad the US TV doesn't give a shit about 'track and field' as it means we can have him
In reply to Greenbanks:
Peter Alliss in his day was just as near the top of his sport as say Gary Neville was.
Agree with most of the suggestions above. What annoys me is that the BBC seem often to have little discernment of who is actually up to the job. The one day guest pundits on the athletics have been mostly poor
Peter Alliss in his day was just as near the top of his sport as say Gary Neville was.
Agree with most of the suggestions above. What annoys me is that the BBC seem often to have little discernment of who is actually up to the job. The one day guest pundits on the athletics have been mostly poor
In reply to Pedro50:
Disagree about Gary v Alliss (football equivalent of a Major is the main European trophy for example).
But agree that some pundits are dire - and how Denise Lewis has been kept on post-Olympics is beyond me
Disagree about Gary v Alliss (football equivalent of a Major is the main European trophy for example).
But agree that some pundits are dire - and how Denise Lewis has been kept on post-Olympics is beyond me
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In reply to Greenbanks:
Yes sadly I agree about Denise (better than Sally Gunnell used to be though!).
Peter Alliss was one the best English golfers of his generation, in two winning Ryder cup teams and winner of numerous tournaments. He was certainly there or thereabouts.
Yes sadly I agree about Denise (better than Sally Gunnell used to be though!).
Peter Alliss was one the best English golfers of his generation, in two winning Ryder cup teams and winner of numerous tournaments. He was certainly there or thereabouts.
In reply to Greenbanks:
I think she is kept on as a "Mother Hen" character.
> But agree that some pundits are dire - and how Denise Lewis has been kept on post-Olympics is beyond me
I think she is kept on as a "Mother Hen" character.
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In reply to Greenbanks:
Michael Johnson is awesome. Martin Brundle gave great insight in F1. David Millar is really insightful in cycling, but I can't keep up with his thought processes.
Agree with the comments about Denise Lewis unfortunately. I've met her a couple of times and she's really lovely, but she really struggles to articulate her thoughts. I think she tries to hard to be eloquent. Colin Jackson is similar, to a lesser extent. They should give Will Sharman a go I reckon.
Michael Johnson is awesome. Martin Brundle gave great insight in F1. David Millar is really insightful in cycling, but I can't keep up with his thought processes.
Agree with the comments about Denise Lewis unfortunately. I've met her a couple of times and she's really lovely, but she really struggles to articulate her thoughts. I think she tries to hard to be eloquent. Colin Jackson is similar, to a lesser extent. They should give Will Sharman a go I reckon.
In reply to Greenbanks:
Danny Murphy. You feel you are getting a lot of down-to-earth, this-is-how-it-really-is professional insights without a lot of waffle
Danny Murphy. You feel you are getting a lot of down-to-earth, this-is-how-it-really-is professional insights without a lot of waffle
In reply to Wiley Coyote:
Yes, good call.
On which note, Henman is as underrated a pundit as he was -- by many -- a player. Not overkeen on Boris, but I reckon Andy would be good value, in the Murphy mould.
Yes, good call.
On which note, Henman is as underrated a pundit as he was -- by many -- a player. Not overkeen on Boris, but I reckon Andy would be good value, in the Murphy mould.
In reply to Greenbanks:
Eddie Butler, Brian Moore and Ian Robertson are pretty excellent, although Ian Robertson is now of an age where his own experience as an international is a bit less relevant.
> I wondered about anyone from RU, given the upcoming World Cup
Eddie Butler, Brian Moore and Ian Robertson are pretty excellent, although Ian Robertson is now of an age where his own experience as an international is a bit less relevant.
In reply to Wiley Coyote:
Danny Murphy is terrible. He's one of 5live's collection of tame idiots.
> Danny Murphy. You feel you are getting a lot of down-to-earth, this-is-how-it-really-is professional insights without a lot of waffle
Danny Murphy is terrible. He's one of 5live's collection of tame idiots.
In reply to tony:
Must be why I like him. A man on my intellectual level
> Danny Murphy is terrible. He's one of 5live's collection of tame idiots.
Must be why I like him. A man on my intellectual level
In reply to Greenbanks:
I like David Coulthard, he gives good insights to what the F1 drivers are doing. However, I sometimes feel he's holding back and being a bit too diplomatic about some things.
I like David Coulthard, he gives good insights to what the F1 drivers are doing. However, I sometimes feel he's holding back and being a bit too diplomatic about some things.
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In reply to Greenbanks:
Ed Smith (3 tests for england) is on the wireless rather than TV but he's one of the finest commentator/pundits around at the moment.
Ed Smith (3 tests for england) is on the wireless rather than TV but he's one of the finest commentator/pundits around at the moment.
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In reply to tony:
Eddie Butler is appalling. He can now usually identify the team with the ball correctly but still struggles with the names of the players. All that faux romantic crap about Agincourt and Bannockburn blah blah sums up what is wrong with BBC sports coverage. Moore and Robertson are good but generally prefer Barnes and Greenwood.
> Eddie Butler, Brian Moore and Ian Robertson are pretty excellent, although Ian Robertson is now of an age where his own experience as an international is a bit less relevant.
Eddie Butler is appalling. He can now usually identify the team with the ball correctly but still struggles with the names of the players. All that faux romantic crap about Agincourt and Bannockburn blah blah sums up what is wrong with BBC sports coverage. Moore and Robertson are good but generally prefer Barnes and Greenwood.
In reply to Greenbanks:
No names to add but a question. How come the BBC have Michael Johnson and John McEnroe as commentators/pundits? Why haven't the US broadcasters taken them on?
I have heard (but no confirmation) that it's because they are too outspoken for the US market.
No names to add but a question. How come the BBC have Michael Johnson and John McEnroe as commentators/pundits? Why haven't the US broadcasters taken them on?
I have heard (but no confirmation) that it's because they are too outspoken for the US market.
1
In reply to Bob:
Maybe also the low-profile of Track & Field in US, in the case of Johnson? Also might be something to do with the perceived status of BBC in international terms & therefore the kudos of working for them?
Maybe also the low-profile of Track & Field in US, in the case of Johnson? Also might be something to do with the perceived status of BBC in international terms & therefore the kudos of working for them?
In reply to Bob:
John McEnroe commentates for ESPN. It's not unusual for commentators and pundits to work for more than one network.
I suspect in Michael Johnson's case it's down to the fact that the BBC takes athletics more seriously than American networks. I know he spoken very positively about it in the past.
> No names to add but a question. How come the BBC have Michael Johnson and John McEnroe as commentators/pundits? Why haven't the US broadcasters taken them on?
> I have heard (but no confirmation) that it's because they are too outspoken for the US market.
John McEnroe commentates for ESPN. It's not unusual for commentators and pundits to work for more than one network.
I suspect in Michael Johnson's case it's down to the fact that the BBC takes athletics more seriously than American networks. I know he spoken very positively about it in the past.
In reply to Pedro50:
And turned down a gong, apparently.
Which is as noteworthy as it is bloody surprising.
> Peter Alliss in his day was just as near the top of his sport....
And turned down a gong, apparently.
Which is as noteworthy as it is bloody surprising.
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In reply to Mike Highbury:
Must be almost unheard of in a sport as conservative and establishment as golf.
> And turned down a gong, apparently.
> Which is as noteworthy as it is bloody surprising.
Must be almost unheard of in a sport as conservative and establishment as golf.
In reply to Greenbanks:
Does Johnson do some work for the US networks (NBC?) during the Olympics? It's the only time the American public are interested in Athletics, like the British public, but more so.
Does Johnson do some work for the US networks (NBC?) during the Olympics? It's the only time the American public are interested in Athletics, like the British public, but more so.
In reply to Greenbanks:
Some credible candidates are significantly disadvantaged however because of their accent or mannerisms - Jamie Carragher & Willie Carson for example
Some credible candidates are significantly disadvantaged however because of their accent or mannerisms - Jamie Carragher & Willie Carson for example
In reply to Bob Hughes:
Yes - of course...somewhat rehabilitated, though still un-reconstructed I suspect! Tells us straight. Shane Warne too maybe?
Yes - of course...somewhat rehabilitated, though still un-reconstructed I suspect! Tells us straight. Shane Warne too maybe?
In reply to Pedro50:
but as a commentator he is a racist misogynistic c**t.
> Peter Alliss was one the best English golfers of his generation, in two winning Ryder cup teams and winner of numerous tournaments. He was certainly there or thereabouts.
but as a commentator he is a racist misogynistic c**t.
In reply to Fredt:
I think Steve Cram may be winning the prize for racist of the week.
> but as a commentator he is a racist misogynistic c**t.
I think Steve Cram may be winning the prize for racist of the week.
In reply to Mike Highbury:
I missed that - what went on?
> I think Steve Cram may be winning the prize for racist of the week.
I missed that - what went on?
In reply to Bob Hughes:
He was a glorious tit over the Kenyan positives.
Not their fault, couldn't be, they're just young innocents from the bush.
> what's he said?
He was a glorious tit over the Kenyan positives.
Not their fault, couldn't be, they're just young innocents from the bush.
In reply to Mike Highbury:
When did he say that? In the BBC interview with Gabby Logan he didn't use those words or anything similar. Presumably you've spent a lot of time in Kenya like him so have a better understanding of the drugs issue in Kenya?
> He was a glorious tit over the Kenyan positives.
> Not their fault, couldn't be, they're just young innocents from the bush.
When did he say that? In the BBC interview with Gabby Logan he didn't use those words or anything similar. Presumably you've spent a lot of time in Kenya like him so have a better understanding of the drugs issue in Kenya?
In reply to Postmanpat:
Cram has been taking a lot of flack this week, not least from Renaldo Neyomia (sp.) Gatlin's agent, I think if he had said anything that could when loosely interpreted as racist, they would be on to it, quick smart.
Cram has been taking a lot of flack this week, not least from Renaldo Neyomia (sp.) Gatlin's agent, I think if he had said anything that could when loosely interpreted as racist, they would be on to it, quick smart.
In reply to Fredt:
I don't like, so don't follow golf, but I was told that he was startling right wing, in the the context of golf!
> but as a commentator he is a racist misogynistic c**t.
I don't like, so don't follow golf, but I was told that he was startling right wing, in the the context of golf!
In reply to Greenbanks:
At the other end of the spectrum, the dream team of
Paul Gasgoine and
Denise Lewis
At the other end of the spectrum, the dream team of
Paul Gasgoine and
Denise Lewis
In reply to Greenbanks:
At the other end of the spectrum, the dream team of
Paul Gasgoine and
Denise Lewis
At the other end of the spectrum, the dream team of
Paul Gasgoine and
Denise Lewis
In reply to Greenbanks:
not a sporting event, but surely the best commentary ever committed to tape- youtube.com/watch?v=-hYIGte7fBs&
not a sporting event, but surely the best commentary ever committed to tape- youtube.com/watch?v=-hYIGte7fBs&
In reply to Greenbanks:
More votes for Michael Johson, John McEnroe, Gary Neville and definitely Martin Keown (how anyone who played like he did can articulate so well is beyond me !) Chris Boardman is brilliant for cycling - unfortunately the best of all from rugby union is no longer with us ("and the whole of Scotland" miss him!)
More votes for Michael Johson, John McEnroe, Gary Neville and definitely Martin Keown (how anyone who played like he did can articulate so well is beyond me !) Chris Boardman is brilliant for cycling - unfortunately the best of all from rugby union is no longer with us ("and the whole of Scotland" miss him!)
In reply to Greenbanks:
Aren't people missing the obvious pro-turned-commentator who says it as it is with a deft nuance.......
Bobby George.
("King of Darts" to all you plebs who do not know the wise one)
Aren't people missing the obvious pro-turned-commentator who says it as it is with a deft nuance.......
Bobby George.
("King of Darts" to all you plebs who do not know the wise one)
In reply to Greenbanks:
Well....cough! <ahem>..... Formula 1.... but you are right....this is not the time.
Remember “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana”.......
Well....cough! <ahem>..... Formula 1.... but you are right....this is not the time.
Remember “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana”.......
In reply to Greenbanks:
I like listening to Scholes, very no-nonsense.
Henry has been surprisingly poor so far because he generally comes across as an intelligent guy but i don't rate his analysis of games at all.
However I also rate Carragher, I think him and Neville have brought football commentating on another level.
From other Sports I like Moore but he's understandably biased and commentates as a fan a bit too much. I really dislike Foster.
I like listening to Scholes, very no-nonsense.
Henry has been surprisingly poor so far because he generally comes across as an intelligent guy but i don't rate his analysis of games at all.
However I also rate Carragher, I think him and Neville have brought football commentating on another level.
From other Sports I like Moore but he's understandably biased and commentates as a fan a bit too much. I really dislike Foster.
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