Watch the post match analysis of any game and you are guaranteed to hear the same spiel regurgitated from the “experts” on the game.
Phrases like “a great keeper can make an important save after long periods of inactivity” or “he needs time to adjust to the physicality of the game” and “there’s contact” as they slowdown the video to see a player acclimatise a foul.
In England I had to endure Gary Lineker & Co every Sunday at ten. Since my move to Australia it’s been worse. I’ve been forced (although I now mute it) to listen to Mark Bosnich, Andy Harper and some bloke not even worth mentioning.
There are a few qualities that viewers looks for in a pundit- background, knowledge/preparation, communication and likeability. If a pundit has any two of these, the chances are that they can do their job adequately.
A good footballer via proxy does not make you a good pundit. However, performing and experiencing the game at the highest level could help. From what Sir Alex Ferguson or Mourinho says at half time, to the training regimes or contacts still in the game (inside information). These can all add depth of understanding when watching a game of football, making your analysis more incisive and believable than your competitors.
Mark Bosnich is marketed as one of Australia’s best exports. On paper this may be true, but the reality is somewhat different.
After signing on a free in 1999 to Manchester United, he miraculously made it through one season as the first choice keeper. This was not through ability but as a consequence of the poor performances of Massimo Taibi dubbed “The Venetian Blind”.
The following summer his contract was unceremoniously terminated and he was replaced by Fabien Barthez. He then went onto Chelsea where he was infamously sacked for cocaine abuse and managed a mere five appearances in three years.
His best season was the 1995-1996 season where he helped Aston Villa to a top four finish. However the lasting memory of that season was Bosnich insulting the Tottenham fans with a Nazi salute, knowing full well they had a large Jewish following.
Andy Harper plied his trade in Australian football, with a career total of one hundred and eighty games and thirty nine goals but he seems to be more famous for his biography on Jonny Warren entitled Sheila’s, Wogs and Poofters.
He has also hosted/commentated on a series of international tournaments and was incorrectly credited as being a capped Socceroo while hosting the 2002 world cup for Channel Nine.
His highest profile job to date was as the CEO of Sydney FC but resigned a year into the job after being “laughed out of the boardroom”.
To clarify, my aim is not to belittle Bosnich and Harper but to highlight how Fox Sports falsely implies that these gentlemen are the esteemed experts for their elite profile.
When Bosnich is introduced on the show, it is as an ex Man United player. It is Fox Sports who subtlety insinuates that because he is ex Manchester United player, he is a better commentator.
This is the same reason Harper was incorrectly credited with being a Socceroo in 2002.
This in essence gives them false credence for their views, when it hasn’t been earnt.
Given their respective backgrounds it’s hardly surprising that they make a dull and ill informed duo. Fox Sports preferring to play up their disagreements to add depth to a shallow and characterless show.
The producer no doubt hoping that the audience will find their arguments endearing. It’s not.
In addition a lack of knowledge is forgivable, however this can be easily remedied with good preparation, which they still don’t seem prepared to do.
The least important of the four is likability. Gary Neville’s behaviour as a Manchester United player is the very definition of what is wrong with footballers. Rough all over, loud and obnoxious. The exact opposite of Thierry Henry.
However, since joining the Sky Sports team his transformation as a pundit has been exemplary. The combination of a love for the game, experience at the top level and straight talking approach is exactly what the game needs more of. Even his orgasm during the Barcelona-Chelsea Champions League game was a season highlight and a throwback to fanzone on Sky sports where opposing fans commentate on games.
So, why do they still have their jobs? Are there are no better alternatives? Are those in charge of the show are happy?
I suspect the latter to be true. Football is reaching a larger audience, many whom have never watched or even played the game. This has had a variety of contrasting consequences.
On the positive side more money has been made available with EPL clubs now receiving $40 million more each per season due to TV deals which are broadcast globally, including Australia.
In addition the popularity of football in Australia on the up (to the dismay of some) and one would expect to see more football pitches and staff available which, in time will see the quality of the A league and National team improve as the grassroots of the game are strengthened.
However, the flip side is that with increased popularity comes increased risk. We live in a world where being politically correct and appealing to the masses is key.
There are a few reasons why the current situation is so infuriating. Firstly, there are no alternative shows. By virtue of this monopoly, competition is low suppressing change.
Secondly, this is a job they are paid to do, indirectly through the viewer’s subscription fees. When you pay for a service, you expect to get their money’s worth. When you don’t, the feeling is one of frustration and a desire for change.
Finally, the longer Bosnich and Harper are on the air the more acclimatised the viewers become and the more secure they are in their roles.
The sad truth is if Fox Sports/Sky Sports did have someone who was knowledgeable, likeable, of good football pedigree and was able to communicate that, some viewers may be alienated and the current crop of pundits would look bad.
Is football being catered for dummies or are we dummies for letting it happen?
mahonjt
Guest
So why is it news that pundetry has a way to go in Aus just like the commercialisation of the nations biggest participation sport. I think Fox have done an outstanding job over the short history of the league. SBS will bring another dimention - but I hope they drop this "guardians of the game" self-indulgent crap and just get on doing strong match analysis and commentary. I think this article is a bit unfar, but I dont care too much as it is excellent to be debating bullshit like this and not the leagues future. Well done Fox and FFA.
Johnno
Guest
Muz Craig Johnston was a product of the long ball game at Liverpool in the 1980's, it's all he knows.
Muz
Guest
Ha, I'll never forget Craig Johnston as a guest during the World Cup broadcast on SBS looking across the table and saying to a horrified Craig Foster that 'sometimes you just have to hoof it up the field and go from there' or some similarly phrased abortion of analysis. Just proves that just because you played at a high level it doesn't make you some guru.
fernanda soares
Guest
Don't you dare say anything about Henry - He is the one player I always thought belonged on the golf course and not on the football field - he was almost always a gentleman and that is difficult to say about almost any football player
Shaunvdl
Roar Rookie
mostly EPL, but I'm getting into my A league now
Shaunvdl
Roar Rookie
Everyone would do what he did in that game.
fadida
Guest
Who would have known that fuss is a "euro snob"? Yes he'd know what Ferguson would say, but by that logic every player at a top club would be a great source of knowledge, and as evidenced by previous names I have mentioned this is not the case. So you'd listen to Bosnich over a younger AVB or Wenger? One of them played at a big club. You'd have employed Bosnich at Roar rather than Ange, based on the same logic. By that same logic you'd employ Steve Mcmahon and Terry Butcher as they played at bigger clubs and under better managers than poppa and Ange, and Arnie for that matter. Oh wait, someone's tried that...... Bosnich cannot analyse a game. All he can do is offer insight into the inner sanctum. Interesting, but, not the point. I suggest we all unmute and listen to Harper. Can you pick out key tactical points as a game unfolds? He can read a game. Not enough "passion" isn't a tactical insight. Try imagining Harper's voice with the accent of someone who'd played at "a big" club
AvocadoCake
Guest
It doesn't, but it goes to show that his career wasn't as flash as FoxSports would like us to believe. I haven't watched post/pre-game shows in eons, everything those 2 say is either stupid or obvious - I can make my own conclusions about a game without their help, while on the other hand Neville's analyses are brilliant, giving an actually valid new look on what went on throughout the 90.
fadida
Guest
He's very entertaining I agree, that laugh, last years "hair", but that wasn't the point of this article. It is a discussion around his perceived knowledge. Or was it? Football for dummies?
Shaunvdl
Roar Rookie
yes he did, and Fergie judged him to not be good enough in terms of his ability and mentality
Chill
Guest
Everyone sees things differently and will have a different approach to solving the problem and a different way of expressing that to someone else. I think the football "experts" we have do a great job. They all express their opinion well and give somewhat sound reasons for it. Whether they turn out right or wrong doesn't really matter. Everybody still learns. At least we don't have the specialist commentators some other sports have that seem to not know anything the rules or tactics and are always second guessing every single thing that they say or just repeat what the "expert" next to them said over and over.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
"By your logic every man utd player should be tactically savvy?" No, but every ManU player from the past 20 years has invaluable knowledge about how the best club coach in history operates. So, if Bozza says "this is what the manager should tell them at HT" I'll pay more attention than if Harper - or any AUS ex-player - offers their insights. GKs are in the perfect position to view the structure & movement of the team. It's one of the reasons so many GKs are captains of their team. Harper is not fit to clean Bozza's boots. When Harper talks, I mute the TV.
Minister for Information for the Democratic People's Republic of Football
Guest
Shaunvdl - Massimo Taibi was "The Blind Venetian" not "The Venetian Blind". That was the whole joke. This little paragraph is a gem too.... "In addition the popularity of football in Australia on the up (to the dismay of some) and one would expect to see more football pitches and staff available which, in time will see the quality of the A league and National team improve as the grassroots of the game are strengthened." Err..what? I'll take Bozza over you anytime brother.
Minister for Information for the Democratic People's Republic of Football
Guest
Fozzie gets bagged because he loves the sound of his own voice a little too much. And he has a very patronising delivery.
Minister for Information for the Democratic People's Republic of Football
Guest
But he's entertaining and the show as a whole is fun because of the banter between the lads. This is television not a Uni lecture. Imagine if it were hosted by Paul Okon and Craig Foster? Insightful ,yes, but wouldn't that be a laugh a minute?! That "B-League" segment has to go though. They try hard those two but they're rubbish.
Alan
Roar Guru
A bit of both Shaunvdl. Good piece.
matthew_gently
Guest
Personally I'd love to watch sport without any in-game punditry. Only rarely do they say something that wasn't nakedly obvious. There should be a law that no ex-player can be a pundit for more than two seasons, but unfortunately the job is just too easy. Hence we end up with a situation where, no matter how insightful and articulate the pundit is, we've heard it all before and just lose respect for them.
Damiano
Guest
Have you forgotten "the hand of frog" incident against Republic Of Ireland. Forever soured my view of the player. He was a favourite of mine, I was disappointed when Juve sold him to Arsenal, as i thought they missed his potential. He went on to be world class at Arsenal, but I can't get past that incident, and I'm not even Irish.
gene_96
Roar Rookie
Peacock goes great.... and the other guy who used to be on fox sports fc - still does some a league games - his name has escaped me , preety sure his background is afl. DOes he have any passion for football or was he just needed there?
fadida
Guest
That's what he said. His co-commentator asked the question. It was during a recent Mariners game. He honestly didn't know why a team would play out exclusively.