What really defines a good TV Football Pundit?

In the last few years, several former players and temporarily unemployed managers have attempted to make the switch from dugout bench to studio sofa with varying results, but as Barwick explained earlier, it’s the pundits with a deep comprehension of the game who last longest. Throughout a League season, it is important for highlights broadcasts to house a regular panel of analysts who remain within the confines of their job description, rather than unsuccessfully and embarrassingly stray in to the realms of humour.

That said, there are certain platforms where inept pundits flourish and should be encouraged to provide light entertainment to supplement the intense examination imparted by competent analysts. During a World Cup or other international tournaments, the studio cast plays an important role in determining ratings success and viewing pleasure. Seeing as there are usually up to three games broadcast each day, with an additional highlights show transmitted later every evening, it is vital for a television channel to add flavour and comedy to at least one of the three or four daily shows.

Often this is achieved by employing one or more current cultured footballers to give their opinions during certain games. The BBC hired Emmanuel Adebayor and Clarence Seedorf to give their views during last summer’s World Cup to great effect, and the Togolese striker became an instant hit when his phone rang during coverage of Japan v Cameroon, providing the audience with at least one laugh, which is more than his colleague at the time, Shearer, has accomplished overall. Whilst Adebayor delivered indirect humour in his unique machine-gun way, Seedorf exhibited a consistent level of wisdom both when responding to questions and throughout his recurring articles on the BBC’s website.

History has proved, despite a few exceptions, that the best pundits in terms of popularity and career longevity retain a specific set of characteristics, with a decent level of knowledge being the most important. The issue is rarely whether or not an analyst is likeable, because viewers already have preconceived opinions regarding familiar ex-footballers, which are either altered or enhanced depending on the pundit’s ability to impart insight, despite a bland or provocative style.

The article was written by Josh Sheridan for FootballFancast.com. Make sure to check out the latest news, blogs and podcasts at FFC – ed.

Follow us on twitter @live4Liverpool or like us on Facebook

Live4Liverpool is recruiting columnists. For further info contact the site editor at live4liverpool@snack-media.com