Football On TV: Who Does It Best?

Over the last 20 years, TV coverage of football has been revolutionized, with an explosion of the number of games on TV, and the advent of specialised sports channels. People blindly say that the BBC and Sky do it best, no questions asked, but when you look at the sum of each broadcaster's parts, does this statement become fact?

The BBC is seen as an institution, with Match of the Day running for over 40 years. Over the years, broadcasting heavyweights such as Des Lynam, John Motson, Barry Davies, and Jimmy Hill have become embedded in the nation's footballing culture.

However, turn on MOTD this season and you'll have the show often presented by Gary Lineker, regularly accompanied by two from Mark Lawrenson, Alan Shearer, and Alan Hansen. It seems to be an "Old Boy's Club" at times, and although Hansen offers some decent opinions, you get the feeling they're discussing and joking away, with the viewer been left on the outside.

I find "Match of the Day 2" a far better show on a Sunday night, fronted by the entertaining (for the right reasons) Adrian Chiles, containing more time to discuss the action, and often with a better variety of pundits. In the commentary box there are still good cameos from the timeless Motson, as well as young talent in Steve Wilson and Guy Mowbray, but is spoilt by the brash, cheesy Jonathan Pearce, who still thinks he's doing Robot Wars.

On the other side, ITV gets a lot of flak, and when you insert an ad break, which causes half the country to miss the only goal of a game, you can't argue with that. They also inexplicably shoehorn two sets of ads into 10 minutes of pre-match coverage. You might also have to put up with Peter Drury who once broke into Latin on a Rangers UEFA Cup game, or David Pleat, with a pronunciation level so bad Charles N'Zogbia probably would have broke his legs.

However, there are often memorable quotes from the tongue of Clive Tyldesley (as long as his beloved Man. Utd. aren't playing) and the decent co-commentary from Jim Beglin, and the slick presentation of Steve Rider. Gabriel Clarke is probably the best reporter in the business, even if insiders say he's difficult to work with.

Channel 5 punch above their weight. Some find Colin Murray almost creepy, I find him engaging. Pat Nevin and Stan Collymore offer insight, but commentary is often provided by second-rate people from radio or freelance TV

Moving on to the pay-TV lot, Sky, in my opinion does have the best coverage in the business. Martin Tyler, Andy Gray, Ian Darke, and Alan Parry are amongst the best in the business, the way they present the Champions League is spot-on, with the opportunity to watch any game you want on a Wednesday. And a special mention to Soccer Saturday and everyone on it.

Watching people watch TV monitors sholdn't be so enthralling. My only gripe with Sky is Richard Keys, who seems to emphasise Sky's greatness at every stage. Watch Champions League football on Sky, he will say that "it's the way football coverage should be". Also, please tell me when Jamie Redknapp says something useful.

Setanta aren't anything special. Angus Scott is a good presenter. Steve McManaman knows enough about Liverpool (well he was there for nine years), but no-one else really cuts the mustard in the studio. In the commentary box, Jon Champion and Chris Waddle are top class, but after that the likes of Craig Burley and Ian Crocker are average—at best.

So who does it best? I reckon Sky and ITV. If ITV didn't have so many adverts. And Man. Utd. aren't playing. Of couse, though with these things, it's all about opinion, and yours' may be completely different.