Who’s Analysing the Pundits?
As cushy numbers go, there aren’t many better ways to make a living than by being a football television pundit; filling in the gaps between the real action and the pre/post match interviews, stating the obvious in a non committal tone, praising the sublime, criticising the gavs; aimed mostly at the referee. As the aged old saying goes, its not exactly rocket-science!
But who’s responsible for determining, whether the quality of punditry spoken is of any merit? Who’s analysing the performance of the TV pundits?
To become a professional football manager you need at least a documented qualification, but to become a football pundit, it would appear the only qualification required is to have been an ex-player of notable recognition.
Most of the pundits responsible for enlightening us already seem to be well established in their roles, but just as players and managers are rotated, could the same be applied to the pundits?
Sky Sports already do this is subtle way, a guess pundit who has some close affinity with one of the days contesting teams plays second fiddle to the turbo charged novice Jamie Redknapp; his outstanding talent, to pontificate the blindingly obvious with asserted confidence, recycling the same expertise each week; “you have to have played the game to understand that move” and the equally sublime “I can’t tell you how good that pass was Richard” – yes, we kind of gathered that Jamie!
Redknapp, who incidently is looking more and more like his dad with each passing Sunday, is part of the new breed, he’s young and has a whole world of punditry skills to master ahead of him, much like his ex-team mate Steve McManaman, who plies his words of wisdom on fledging sports channel, Setanta, as part of a dumb and dumber double act with Tim Sherwood.
Like Redknapp, Macca looks pristine and pretty but, like a stereo-typical blond-babe airhead, the moment he opens his mouth, the prettiness washes away leaving a vacuous, yet expensive suit well out of its depth.
Unfair? Not really. Steve McManaman genuinely offers nothing insightful, yet the real tragedy of the Setanta setup is, Macca is incredibly the brighter part of the duo, as the mumbling dimwit Sherwood resembles more of a Gillian-esq Monty Python character than a professional TV pundit.
But what about the establishment?
Unofficially regarded as the top dog, Alan Hansen has been stating the obvious, backing favourites for years; and the years have certainly helped refine him, as on sporadic occasions he will offer moments of perception. Something his number two is seemingly incapable of doing; astute, alert and sharp as a player, Alan Shearer shows absolutely none of these qualities as a football pundit; he’s more akin to bland, boring and stupid when it comes to the pre or post match analysis – vermently consistant with his view of 2006 World Cup 3rd placed and Euro 2008 Runners-up, Germany, as a poor team?
Yet, licking his lower lip, Shearer never fails to remind Lineker and co of the rare occasions he’s been spot-on with his analysis; a curious tactic and one which highlights insecurities.
Maybe this overall level of criticism is harsh?
The point is, the quality of TV pundits covering the English Premier League is at the standard of League One at best, notable exceptions, Wilkins, Souness, Collymore and the now retired yet proficent Peacock, begging the question when purest’s like Messrs Richardson and Vickery are doing the rounds, do ex-players really make the most competent pundits?
Changing Times!
There’s a certain amount of merriment viewing league table after the first weekend of a new football season; no more than two points separating top from bottom; promotion, relegation open to all; televised league tables always accompanied by the comment “…just for fun”.
The true value of these early points won or lost only start too reveal themselves many months down the line, towards the business end of the season.
But a glimpse at the tail end of League Division Two and something strange stands out.
On first glance there’s nothing hugely unusual to see Rotherham United, Bournemouth and Luton Town occupy the bottom three places.
Maybe a clear indication of how things can change so swiftly in the football world; just four years ago Ronnie Moore’s Rotherham United were competing in the Championship with the likes of Sunderland and West Ham.
Slightly less glamorous, Bournemouth changing fortunes are mostly confided to League One mediocrity.
Of the trio, Luton Town could claim to have the most colourful of recent times; comprehensive League One Champions three years ago, a faded push towards Premier League glory, quickly followed by an incredible, blink and you’ve missed it, sink to lowest ranking in English League Football.
Modern League Tables
But a scan across to the right of the table and the real oddity stands out, resembling more of a Scandinavian winter temperature forecast, the points tally for the respective trio reads: -14, -16, -30!
Rotherham United, AFC Bournemouth and Luton Town all started the new season on negative points, punishment from the Football League for reasons of administration and agent irregularities; an extremely vivid reminder of how the world of football has changed.
Points deduction is nothing new, but the bigness certainly exhibits the Football Leagues stance on maladministration, leaving the rights and wrongs for such a harsh punishment open to debate.
But in these circumstances I can’t help feel for the fans, the real people who live and breathe the football club. They’ve effectively been punished twice; firstly with the mismanagement by the management of the legal entity, the football club. Then, compounded by the Football League’s point deduction, given for the mismanagement by the management of the legal entity, the football club.
Something feels very wrong here and possibly highlights some of the reasons why football fans have concerns when outsiders come in to run their beloved football clubs.
Comprehending how bizarre the League Two table appears; 33 points dividing top from bottom after just one game, completely out of left field a flash of nostalgia washes over me, I’m transported back to my childhood and memories of Shoot! Magazine League Ladders, strangely occupies my immediate thoughts; another of the endless reminders of how the football world has changed.
Football Nostalgia
For folk of a certain age this may stir up some warm memories of dirty grey wet Sundays in front of a fire, sports pages open, placing tiny tabs in to tiny slots.
In a time when shorts were shorts, pitches were brown and players shared a beer in the local with the locals, in the weeks running up to a new football season Shoot! Magazine annually gifted its readers with League Ladders; t-shaped tabs displaying the name of each league football club, in club colours would be slotted in to the slits of a thin printed sheet, displaying the English and Scottish league tables.
As the season progressed, the tabs would be placed up and down the ladder reflecting the current positions of each league club, but the information wasn’t the hook, it was the thrill of interchanging week on week and updating could take hours; either by replicating the league table published in the newspaper or from the sports pages of Teletext, a considerably painful process for those without a hold button!
Of course by early December the novelty had all but worn off, even sooner if your team was performing in the lower echelons, but come the following season the same youthful enthusiasm and excitement would be generated in anticipation of a new league ladder.
Shoot!, football’s leading weekly digest for many years, until the birth of Four-Four-Two, was radical for its day, it pulled star names, asked them questions like; “what’s your favourite food, drink and TV programme” – Only Fools and Horses the cast iron favourite.
Sadly, in the June of this year after 40 years of publication, Shoot! Magazine seized to be.
Administration, deducted points, global superstars, dead magazines or nostalgic league ladders, just a mere skimming of the objects of change in the world of football, some good, some not so.
In the age of 24 hour sports news, infinite web sources and posh Teletext via the red button, cardboard League Ladders are truly redundant, and whilst we may not miss them, for a fleeting moment the stir of Sunday mornings, paper wide spread and the hours replacing team after team, provides a warm glow, the new football season is back; what on earth does it behold?
Getting Real?
For many decades Real Madrid needed only flutter their eyes towards their object of desire and within a short period of time, said object would be pictured wide-smiled donning the famous white shirt. But with the latest developments with Ronaldo and Robinho, is the tide turning for the greatest team of the twentieth century?
It was no great secret that Cristiano Ronaldo wanted what he considered his ‘dream’ move to Real Madrid; Calderon and co sent out the signals and the world stood by awaiting the inevitable.
Now, two months of extensive press inches and plenty of hot air later, the saga seems to be finally over; Cristiano Ronaldo remains a Manchester United player (for at least a year anyhow!)
The significance of this cannot be understated; in 2000 Real Madrid incredibly seduced Figo from fierce rivals Barcelona, the next summer they lured the breathtaking Zidane from Juventus and in 2002 they successfully enticed, World Cup Golden Boot winner, the other Ronaldo, from Inter Milan; all three joined from giant European rivals for enormous fees and all were at their football peak.
Yet in 2008 and in very similar circumstances, Real Madrid’s principle transfer target has eluded them.
Back in 2002, Real’s stock was sky high, it was also the last time they were crowned European Champions and for a club of Real’s stature, six years without a Copa de Europa is a crisis. Curiously within those six years the shift of football power has slowly moved northwards, to England; four of the six Champions League finalist in the last three seasons. Meaning, in today’s football world, it’s very conceivable to view any transfer from Manchester Untied, champions of England and Europe, to Real Madrid as a slight step downwards; or sideways at best.
Sure, Real has taken from Manchester United in recent years, but this was out of convenience to both teams. Cristiano Ronaldo is different, like Figo, Zidane and the Brazilian Ronaldo before him; he is currently football’s most prized asset. United, don’t need to sell and by not, the European Champions have upset a very fruitful apple-cart.
In terms of depth of history, prestige and worldwide status there’s little to separate Manchester United from Real Madrid; it’s certainly a photo finish, which makes the Robinho saga even more interesting as Chelsea, whether they like it or not, certainly fall short in terms of stature when pitched against Real Madrid.
But Robinho has pretty much said he wants to go to Chelsea. This statement of intent undoubtedly signifies a change in football prowess. It’s very difficult to imagine Chelsea luring a very important young player from Real Madrid five or six seasons ago, not even a season or two ago in fact. And make no mistake at 24, just a year older than Cristiano Ronaldo, Robinho is an important player for Real; 100+ appearances and 25 goals in his three seasons, contributing to a pair of La Liga Championships.
No doubt the lure of Chelsea’s disposable millions and new boss Scolari add to the appeal, but nevertheless, for Robinho to view England and Chelsea as a more attractive proposition than Spain and Real Madrid, makes for very juicy gossip.
So are Real Madrid playing to the tune of England? If so, does this mean world football supremacy now lies in England or is this just football politics? If it’s the former, then what may follow?
Football history and prestige is very important, but in no way are these more important than the present; and in the present, the big guns in English football seem to be holding the key cards?
Olympic Football! Who cares?
Swimming, Gymnastics, Cycling, Hockey, Rowing, Sailing, Diving, Boxing and Athletics are just a handful of the sports that will take centre stage on national British television throughout this month as part of the coverage of the Beijing Olympic Games.
However, in-between the splashes, tucks, sprints and right-hooks, running in the background (and actually exceeding the official Games length) the Olympic Football event will go largely unnoticed within the boundaries of the British Isles. Those interested will have to access the tournament via the little red button or less popular digital channels. This isn’t because swimming and cycling, for example are more popular than football; great spectacles as they are, it’s more in line with the fact, there is no local interest; therefore other sports with local interest will quite rightly transmit to the forefront.
Nevertheless, the Olympic football tournament is a major event, taken very seriously.
Within international circles, the Mens tournament is considered as the unofficial Under 23’s World Cup Finals; and it’s for this reason why former champions Nigeria and Cameroon as well as co-Africans Cote D’Ivoire will all be anticipating podium finishes. Australia, Serbia and the US, all travel to China with confident optimism and there is also huge pressure on the host nation, China, to be successful and finish in the medals. But it is in South America where the fiercest pressure lies, defending champions Argentina and 5 times World Cup winners Brazil are both desperate for a golden finish.
The importance of Olympic football is translated in it’s history, as prior to the 1930 inaugural World Cup Finals the Olympic Games was the most significant world football competition; two of the four stars displayed on the Uruguayan shirt represent their glorious Olympic triumphs of 1924 and 1928.
Fast forward back to modern day and cursory glance over the Argentine squad leaves you with no doubt that Argentina are in Beijing to win; Agüero, Gago, Mascherano, Messi and the sublime Riquelme. A further scan down the squad listings and the class continues, Kalao, Babel, Song and the Brazilian Anderson to name but a few. And it is Brazil who desire gold most, desperate to add the Olympic title to their overflowing trophy cabinet – this is the only international tournament Brazil has never won. This is why Brazil are not in China to blood youngsters, head coach Dunga is in charge and he’s brought a squad to do serious business; Marcelo, Jo, Sobis, Rafinho, Diego, Ronaldinho and the desirable Pato.
This begs the question, if Olympic Football is important to the World’s most successful national team, Brazil, then where are Team GB?
Back in June 2007, England rightfully qualified for the Olympic finals, but due to politics and identity concerns, surrendered their place for Portugal and Italy to fight over; Italy coming out on top. But with one eye on London 2012, where no doubt Team GB will be represented through convenience and outside pressures, it appears on this occasion the opportunity to signal intent has been swerved, leaving the debate to fester for another four years, as to what unification may lead too longer term?
If only England had the guile to fulfill on its reward? If only England had pressed forward, onwards to Beijing, providing representation in the form of three times record holders, Team GB? What TV coverage would Olympic Football yield then?
However, appearances seem to suggest England doesn’t care for Olympic football, even though Olympic Football has been historically most fruitful for England; imagine 4 golden stars? For the rest of the world and especially the 16 competing nations, Olympic Football is the most meaningful team event at this summers Olympic Games, meaning viewers can expect emulous, exciting and enthralling football.
So what if Team GB doesn’t care in 2008, the rest of the world seems too.
It’s Just Not Cricket. Or is it?
Elvis craves some action
Nuns, Monks, Cockerels, Willy Wonker, Mr Invincible, Superman, Lifeguards, Pamela Anderson and Elvis Presley were all in attendance at Headingley on day 3 of the international test match between England and South Africa, but not too many eyes were directed towards the field.
As a cordial, yet skillful South Africa asserted their dominance over England in a slow non eventful affair, the West Terrace did a sterling job entertaining the masses with games of lob the chicken, balloon racing, Mexican waves and record breaking beer snakes, much to the frustration of the staid stewards.
As one close member in the Wintershed Upper observed, “this is classic English” – albeit with some irony as the comment was made during one of the many Mexican waves.
However, the comment was delivered with aplomb; it’s an accepted certainty that the English have many flaws, but a quality they possess in abundance is the ability to see the lighter side of dire circumstances; on this occasion those dire circumstances happened to be a cricket match in the north of England in unfavorable whether conditions with thinly spread moments of interest occurring on the field.
Off the field though, Pamela Anderson in Baywatch attire created merriment by simulating slow motion bouncers between the aisles, tossed rubber chickens bought excitable oohs and arrhs and the ebullition generated by the building of snake like shapes out of part-empty plastic pint glasses occupied cricket devotees from the Kirkstall Lane End and in the East Stand with this alternative form of cricket.
Just like the famous song, the English do try to All Ways Look on the Bright Side of Life and even though on this day, the circumstances wasn’t exactly finding laughter through tears, the theory of Python’s concept was most definitely applied; for though the game was uneventful, the experience was memorable.
History Repeating?
Something about Ronaldinho’s transfer to AC Milan feels familiar, images of the Rossoneri venturing down the same uncertain road flash before me prompting the question whether Milan are trying to squeeze success out of the third of the three R’s?
In January 2007, the second of the three R’s, former Barca man Ronaldo; arguably the greatest player of his generation arrived at Milan in a pit of controversy from Real Madrid, but due to bad luck and injuries; one so serious, there’s an unfortunate question mark over whether the greatest World Cup goal-scorer of all-time will play again? Let’s hope that doesn’t turnout to be the case.
However, sentiments aside whilst Ronaldo’s time has been short at Milan, he’s failed to find the form that once elevated him to Golden Boot World Cup winner and FIFA World Footballer of the Year three times.
So in July 2008, Milan complete the set, the third R, Ronaldinho; World Cup winner and twice FIFA World Footballer of the Year arrives, once again, from Barcelona and once again showing signs of form in decline.
However it may turn out to be third time lucky for Milan, as on this occasion at 28, Ronaldinho has signed at a slightly younger age than Rivaldo and Ronaldo did and it’s possible last seasons dip in greatness was just a blimp, enough so for Milan to take the risk on him. In addition, Milan have a healthy Brazilian contingent; two precious treasures, Kaka and Pato, which just may contribute to helping Ronaldinho locate his missing magic.
The odds are weighted against Little Ronaldo being successful, on the football pitch, for Milan as on the surface it appears just like Ronaldo and Rivaldo, Milan have signed on hope and legend as opposed to form and potential and for the moment, in the words of Dame Shirley Bassey, is this all just a little bit of history repeating?
Has Friends Reunited Missed the Boat?
On first viewing it passes as a trailer for an avant-garde independent feature film doing the rounds from continental Europe; orange-tinted soft lighting, melancholy almost motionless characters clustered together in a variety of locations, it pulls at the cords of curiosity. However, as it reaches its conclusion the revelation is something quite unexpected:
Friends Reunited is now free!
The ad is of a stylised high quality; it has a The Man Without a Past pace and sombreness about it. Clearly the TV ad people at Friends Reunited are rightly influenced by cinema; a year or so back they ran a TV campaign that paid homage to Woody Allen’s Annie Hall; kids in the classroom stand to proclaim what they have become in adulthood, albeit in a diluted television version.
So Friends Reunited is now free was the revelation. Once the interest of the ad wears off a question may present itself; have they missed the boat?
When Friends Reunited burst on to the scene it was an instant success, taking social networking up a notch. In 2005, ITV purchased the site from its creators for a generous price and continued to grow the empire adding extras, such as genes, dating, military and so on. But in the world of IT freedom, expression and open source, Friends Reunited’s policy was to pay to find, which suppressed its purpose.
On lookers took heed, remodelled the idea and presented without charges, leaving the Friends Reunited Empire vulnerable. Its flawed pricing strategy hindered Friends Reunited’s potential and when something fresher, more organic appeared, Facebook, only then did the idea of social networking start to fulfil its real potential.
“it’s like Friends Reunited but better and free” one converter to Facebook told me once.
And since Facebook, Friends Reunited has fallen in to perpetual decline, regardless of the huge stated ’19m’ on the website, so much so in fact that now, just like its successor; Facebook imitated it, it now has imitated its successor by becoming free.
With a huge TV organisation behind them, advertising on tap, positions of influence to ensure prime time TV sponsorship and a redesign with flashy applications, Friends Reunited maybe hasn’t missed the boat, but whilst Facebook is cruising around the Med in a luxury yacht, Friends Reunited is rowing in circles in the middle of the North Sea.
Is Pele the Greatest Ever Footballer?
Pelé, football’s greatest ever player, has advised Cristiano Ronaldo, football’s current best player, to stay put at Manchester United.
But who is this advice best served for; Ronaldo, Manchester United, Real Madrid or Pelé?
Seeing Ronaldo ply his talents at Real Madrid may enhance his world renowned status even further and in turn might lead to the question, Ronaldo the greatest ever? Does the insightful Pelé foresee this? Is his advice given to protect his brand against any suitors looking to remove his indeterminate crown?
Brand Pelé trades as being number one, but even in his homeland opinion is divided as to whether Pelé is the greatest, with some aficionados favouring Garrincha or Leonidas. Over the boarder Argentines strongly argue for Maradona whilst those a little further north in Ecuador champion Alberto Spencer.
The question of who is the greatest ever footballer is academic; the list of candidates is long and stretches over many generations, but for lovers of the game it conjurors fervent debate.
Pelé was a special player and since the end of his playing days Pelé has campaigned, albeit indirectly, on behalf of brand Pelé as footballs number one player of all time.
Although, how is it possible to judge the football merits of players from different generations? The ball may still be round but football today is a world of change from the game Pelé inhibited.
Pelé’s place in football history is secure, but does the question of the greatest ever player require modernisation?
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