There is a balance that needs to be found with the way England presents its product. Obviously the frustration from supporters in this country has been known for many years, with the BBC and ITV in the crosshairs of those who want something more from the game’s presentation. But that doesn’t seem to be coming to an end, further proving that football in England has a few things to learn from its counterparts
BT Sport’s launch ahead of this season may have been seen as an opportunity for something new and fresh; a different perspective from individuals who have a stronger grasp of the game than those from other broadcasters. Instead, the new kid on the block has decided to take the tried and trusted route, hiring David James, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Owen, among others, to spearhead its assault on Sky’s consolidation of the Premier League.
Those individuals are the faces of the Premier League’s offering, and it’s no surprise. It’s not too far from the truth when one assumes David James or the epitome of excitement Michael Owen don’t have a detailed knowledge of the Bundesliga – one of the carrier’s other products. Premier League audiences are once again fed a diet of the basics, the most simple of descriptions and a real lack of insight into the game. Is it really the correct line of thinking for broadcasters to assume that just because an individual is an ex-pro, he automatically has something significant to offer? Think Matthew Syed’s humbling of Tony Cascarino and Sky’s presenters earlier this summer. And that’s being polite.
From a personal perspective, it’s boring. You might as well find something else to do during half-time and prior to kickoff. The match analysis can seem drawn out, forced and at times completely incoherent, such is the lack of preparation among broadcasters’ pundits. Sure, we can get a kick out of Soccer Saturday because it can genuinely be amusing. But describing a player as “Top, top quality,” and leaving it at that doesn’t really cut it. Bar Gary Neville and Graeme Souness at the best of times, there is nothing particularly engaging and interesting about the discussion had ahead of football matches in this country.
Contrast that to the European-based product. Sky’s presentation of La Liga is second to none, particularly the highlights programme Revista De La Liga. Yes there are former professionals involved, but Terry Gibson, for example, has such a strong understanding of Spanish football and an ability to extend his vocabulary beyond “Top drawer,” that you simply forget his standing as an ex-pro.
Importantly, however, Gibson isn’t the focal point of the presentation in the way ex-pros are in England. He is the supplement and the at times necessary alternate view among established journalists. Would it be too far to say Graham Hunter, Sid Lowe or Gabriele Marcotti – the latter two were regulars on ESPN – are far more accomplished students of the game than those who actually played it? Well yes. The pundits on television here are professionals from an age gone by, from a style and attitude to the game that no longer applies. Getting drunk before a weekend game was bordering on the norm twenty years ago. That kind of behaviour today would be viewed as abhorrent.
BT Sport got something right with their Ligue 1 and Bundesliga coverage. There was an undertone of opinion from former players, but far from acting as the central pillar holding the whole thing together. Instead, journalists who are experts on each of those leagues were primary building blocks of an interesting and informative discussion. Raphael Honigstein is one of the English-speaking voices of the Bundesliga, while he can also be flanked by names like Andy Brassell.
Where does English football benefit from keeping around individuals who are largely out of touch with the game? The football world is much, much smaller than it was fifteen years ago, with the Champions League and heightened coverage of continental games allowing viewers a variety in their weekly diet. Should we part with close to £100-per-month for a group of “experts” who couldn’t tell you anything of value about Juventus, or Schalke, or even Zenit St. Petersburg? How about offering viewers, many of whom choose not to expand beyond English borders, a detailed description about why Arturo Vidal is such a key player for the Serie A side, other than, “I’ve heard he’s a great player, I look forward to seeing him.”
Football supporters in England may have their grudges against football writers in this country, and that’s fine. But at least they’re informed, they understand the game, they’re able to articulate their opinions in a respectable and professional manner, while offering far more in the way of information on foreign leagues than those who currently line up each week.
Does English football need to follow the example set by European leagues and their presentation of the game?
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