The BBC - an A+ for Euro coverage

Despite England's non-participation in Euro 2008, this championship has surely been one of the more enjoyable experiences an armchair sports fan in England or in fact, anywhere around the world, could hope for.

Whilst much has been made of the shocks and thrills of this year's championship in Austria and Switzerland, the excellence of the multi-dimensional multimedia coverage offered to millions by the BBC has been overlooked.

From the start of the tournament (and even several weeks in advance), one has, whether as an Internet surfer, TV viewer, radio listener or iPod owner, never been more than the touch of a button away from sharing and participating in the excitement of a thrilling tournament thanks to outstandingly simple but pioneering sports journalism and technology.

What is on offer is plain and simple. Excellent up-to-minute news and views on the most talked-about footballing issues thrown up by each and every match, almost instantaneous highlights of each match, an in-depth analysis of match days every evening and a look behind the scenes at the preparation undertaken by all of the BBC crew.

And that is just what is on offer through their new and improved website, still the most-visited URL in the world.

There are also numerous radio shows throughout the day which channel opinion and give fans a voice, any number of Podcasts and and several television programmes of varying nature, content and length to suit each and every viewer, with Euros In A Minute taking precision journalism to a new extreme.

As we have come to expect, the punditry and commentary is invariably accurate, informative and engaging, with the relatively recent additions to the team of the insightful Martin O'Neill and photogenic Jake Humphrey a timely stroke of genius.

All of these positive aspects of a new dynamism in the established institution's flagship football section is undoubtedly a huge relief to the executive, who have suffered what could be described as an anno horribilis amidst several accusations of unprofessional practice. 

Whilst us football fans will continue to bemoan Mark Lawrenson's drab punditry and question Ray Stubbs' credentials, we can't have everything. Let's instead herald in a new era of broadcasting innovation with renewed hope and optimism.