RateTheRef

Agree. I hate it when they go to adverts after the national anthems are finished - just no need whatsoever. I was very disappointed in them talking over the England players singing wonderwall too. I can’t remember who said it, but one of the pundits said “I’m not sure if you’re able to hear England singing” no we couldn’t because YOU were talking over it you muppet!!!!

hi,

inclined to agree with all of the above...however...as a tv licence fee payer, i do question the need for the sheer quantity of bbc personnel stateside - both in front and behind the cameras. probably all in top hotels with expense tabs, possibly with family members in tow, most segments, including ALL punditry to camera, could have been made in uk for a fraction of the cost with no loss of quality or insight.

if itv want to waste their ad revenue money on putting neville, keane, et al against the manhattan skyline, that's up to them.

regards,

gnr

Agree. I hate it when they go to adverts after the national anthems are finished - just no need whatsoever. I was very disappointed in them talking over the England players singing wonderwall too. I can’t remember who said it, but one of the pundits said “I’m not sure if you’re able to hear England singing” no we couldn’t because YOU were talking over it you muppet!!!!

It’ll be on again I’m sure…usually 3 times a day on most radio stations! I hate that song!

To be fair I prefer the ITV coverage.  At least they are in the US and not sat in front of a green screen in Manchester.

I agree that the commentators for last night are not great, but for me Mark Pougatch, Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane are far better than anything that the BBC have.
Gabriel Clarke is excellent, he is a journalist as opposed to the BBC where their reporters want to be their friends and doesn't ask any searching questions.
ITV should make use of Jon Champion and Ally McCoist who are the best pair of commentators.

In respect of adverts, I'm afraid that's how they are funded.

Apart from Jon Champion, ITVs commentators speak too much yet say too little (that is meaningful).  TV commentators should remember the words of the late and very great Richie Benaud, that one should only speak to add to what the viewer can see on the screen.  Quite often they do precisely the opposite.

(The words used by Mrs Leggy about them would get me onto this forum's naughty step).

To be fair I prefer the ITV coverage.  At least they are in the US and not sat in front of a green screen in Manchester.

I agree that the commentators for last night are not great, but for me Mark Pougatch, Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane are far better than anything that the BBC have.
Gabriel Clarke is excellent, he is a journalist as opposed to the BBC where their reporters want to be their friends and doesn't ask any searching questions.
ITV should make use of Jon Champion and Ally McCoist who are the best pair of commentators.

In respect of adverts, I'm afraid that's how they are funded.

Sam Matterface can get a bit overexcited, almost a bit Alan Partridge at times, but I think he is one of the most knowledgeable about the game.  And Ally Mccoist is the best co-commentator by a country mile, but purely because he isn't English ITV pair Matterface with Lee Dixon instead of Ally.

Criticising a commercial TV station for showing adverts is beyond ridiculous.  Even more so as they chose not to milk the hydration breaks by showing adverts during those.

Jonathan Pearce's lack of knowledge of the LOTG really bugs me, shame because other knowledge is good but he often stirs up controversy where there is none purely because he doesn't know the LOTG and happily peddles out misinformation with no thought to the consequences of doing so.

Sam Matterface I used to dislike but having worked with him a few times, in terms of his match research, I have a new found respect for him. We've spoken many times when he has been commentating on a Hungary NT game or one of the club games, never just 1 call either. 1st call is a fact check and pronunciation guide, then another call practicing pronunciation and generally a 3rd call as well just to be sure! In between calls texts to check and clarify and random voice notes of him practicing pronunciation. He's always so polite, respectful, enjoys a joke or 3 and is genuinely thankful for any help/advice so I can forgive him for sounding like a kid on Christmas eve at times, he does get a bit over excited but he simply loves football and enjoys what he does.

My favourite English commentator is a guy called Kris Temple. Started out on radio solent as afcb commentator in the days we weren't fashionable & is now off commentating or doing stadium announcements at all manner of huge tournaments, all over the world, in a variety of sports. His knowledge and research is second to none and he has a lovely very listenable to voice. Knows the LOTG as well, unlike most! I also like Chris Wise from the BBC, Jordan Clarke from BBC radio Solent and Mark McAdam from sky sports. Hajdú István B. though is the absolute best, love him on M4 sports for NT games - he's scathing, sarcastic and utterly hilarious! None of which is remotely relevant to the WC commentary but as I've not been listening to any of it or watching games..!

Wow! I love that, bmb.  But does it just apply to commentators or to match directors as well?  My main beef is with the latter.