A good player doesn't always make a good commentator
If you've played the game as a professional footballer then of course you have the right to an opinion on the game and it will be taken more notice of than an ordinary fan; it’s a game of opinions after all!
With football being a worldwide game there are plenty of jobs for former players to take the earphones and microphone and say their piece; I just wish some would at least try to be entertaining!
Of course it’s different when you are on television than on radio; on radio you really need to draw the picture of the game for the listener. It's more enjoyable reading the text reports than listening to some while others make you feel like you're watching it live it's that good!
One of the most annoying things is watching the game, seeing the same thing as the commentator and they tell you what's happening as if you can't see it!
The list below shows the top ten commentators of all time; only five are ex players!
Top sports commentators/ pundits of all time...
According to research by Confused.com:
1. John Motson (20%)
2. Gary Lineker (16.%)
3. Brian Moore (9%)
4. Chris Kamara (8.%)
5. Alan Green (8%)
6. Andy Gray (7%)
7. Jimmy Hill (6%)
8. Alan Shearer (6%)
9. Martin Tyler (6%)
10. Robbie Savage (5.%)
John Motson once excitedly proclaimed, as all England supporters will know, that 'this is getting better and better and better'.
The legendary figure was of course relaying the fourth goal during the 5-1 rout of Germany in 2001, but he could be forgiven for uttering the same phrase when finding out that he has been voted the best sports commentator of all time.
Forty-two years into the job - his voice as iconic as ever - Motson remains a stalwart of the BBC's Match of the Day coverage.
With the gift of possessing an instantly recognisable broadcasting voice, he beat Gary Lineker, Alan Green and the superb Brian Moore
We can't forget that some think they are the referee! 'That was never a red card!' This after the player is making his or her way off the field; which would mean it definitely was a red card so they are in turn giving us the wrong information.
Some fans will watch a football game on the television with the sound down so they can listen to the commentary from the radio of the same game; I've been tempted.
An example of an ex player bringing nothing to the commentary box is ex Norwich, Chelsea and Republic of Ireland International Andy Townsend. He points out a player has been fouled; everybody watching can see it so why tell us? How about doing some homework and giving us an interesting fact or two about a player or the team!
'England need to win this game,' he said in commentary in the game against Poland; Newsflash Andy the whole country knew that! Did he think fans were going round saying, 'I hope we draw,'
His tone hardly ever gets excited; if it’s a goalless draw he'll send you to sleep.
Former players deserve another career after they stop playing and many stay in the game in some capacity; some choose to comment on the game.
Some advice that they could all take is look at legendary man on the microphone John Motson.
'Motto' gives you facts and figures that entertain; he does his homework as well as giving an opinion. But even the great man himself is fallible
Brazil - they're so good it's like they are running round the pitch playing with themselves.
John Motson
That shot might not have been as good as it might have been.
John Motson
"The King of Saudi isn't here today as he was detained by domestic matters - mind you, so would you if you had 30 wives and 35 children..."
ITV's Jon Champion.
"The ball is an essential part of the game."
Johan Cruyff on Dutch TV after the Holland-Serbia match.
"The most famous football player in the world, Michael Beckham."
An American World Cup commentator for television Station ABC, commenting on how famous David Beckham is - unfortunately he can't get his name correct.
"Goooooooooooooooal to Iraq...Iran."
Commentary on Brazilian TV during the Iran v Mexico game.
We all love it when they make mistakes and that's part of life and football and we laugh at it; just don't bore us to death! The simple thing to learn is facts and figures and keep the viewer or listener intererested. Football is the best game in the world and should be treated that way by the people, including ex players, with the respect it deserves.
Written by Paul Moore, a football fan.