4 Problems With BT's Champions League Monopoly

2. BT Need Better Pundits And Commentators

There are two commentators who spring to mind when you think of ITV and Sky Sports - Clive Tyldesley and Martin Tyler. Both may have their critics, particularly Tyldesley, but they are both icons in their field, and they add a sense of drama. BT Sport have Ian Darke, and while he does a good job, what surrounds him can be improved on. Surely BT can attract a better co-commentator than Michael Owen, an ex-footballer who treated horse-racing more seriously for the latter half of his career. Mark Halsey's admittedly original turn as an in-match referee analyst is at times unneccessary and overbearing. There is still time for BT's commentary team to settle - let's not forget the channel is only three months old, but with such a huge sum pumped into the Champions League, the coverage needs to be spot on. Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have the Sky coverage down to a tee with their punditry, while David Ginola makes offensive gestures on the air. Jake Humphreys has the air of an over-excited Blue Peter presenter, and would make you long for the good old days of Des Lynam. Owen Hargreaves, Steve McManaman and Neil Warnock are all big names who will hopefully learn their trade as they go, but there is huge room for improvement.
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Contributor

I am from Bangor, aged 24, and possess an MA in Journalism from The University Of Ulster. I have had work published in the Belfast Telegraph and interviewed several local footballers and Olympic athletes. I also run my own sports blog, 'Sporting Thought' in addition to contributing to What Culture.