Mark Lawrenson during World Cups telling the viewer - "I can't say I know anything about the Paraguayans."Like most trends in British television, it came from America. NFL coverage started using a ‘color commentator’ in the 1960s, alongside the main caller of the game.
They were often hugely respected ex players/ coaches like John Madden and they had a specific role, completely different to the main commentator.
Somewhere along the line, TV executives over here have clearly thought they need to move with the times and also have two in the booth.
But it seemed like instead of actually studying the model of American TV, they just stuck a second guy in there and thought that was job done.
The result is we’re treated to an endless parade of bored ex pros, contributing little more than inane ramblings like…He’ll be disappointed with that, after watching a replay of a striker putting one over the bar from two yards.
It's getting even worse now with up to 3 in the box - main man + 2 co-commentators (eg Neville & Carragher). Often arguing among themselves, totally ignoring the on-field action and the main comms' guy to weak to cut them off.So true. Women commentators never stop talking or shouting ..
And where did the co commentator thing come from ,no need for them ,the old solo live commentary was best.
Mrs Keane and their pet dog Rover.Keane just won pundit of the year from the Sports Journalist Association.
Not sure who they actually are?
It's getting even worse now with up to 3 in the box - main man + 2 co-commentators (eg Neville & Carragher). Often arguing among themselves, totally ignoring the on-field action and the main comms' guy to weak to cut them off.
They’re very good at drawing meaningless triangles. Hint: join any three players with straight lines and hey presto, tactical analysis.Is completely crap.
Social media has made it a redundant feature. You can genuinely find more insight in YouTube channels. The banter is all they have apart from maybe one or two players who still command respect.
Chuckle and spit were ordinary players who will rinse the red train all the way. So not stupid but still very much ordinary.
The dims that tune in love it.
The other side is pep, watching him do his thing for 9 seasons has enabled a lot of fans to properly understand the game. We don’t need some wanker telling us who did what last night in Belfast or anywhere else.
So if I want football insight i won’t tune in but if I want to hear the red cunts crying then it’s worth a watch every now and again.
Just wished I had the facility on my dodgy Amazon stick to mute commentary and not the crowd noise(except against Brighton of course).The level of analysis during commentary in the 90 minutes is appalling.
Exactly, thats the problem. Muting the matches takes away the atmosphere and rhythm of the game because you can't hear the crowd or the players and the ball.mute commentary and not the crowd noise