Neville - Sky is the Limit

When Andy Gray and Richard Keys were expelled from Sky Sports it completely changed the football coverage dynamic and could of been the downfall of the long established and respected broadcaster. Their dismissal from Sky left a gaping hole that could of ruined what fans tuned in to see - two guys who they could relate too, talking football. It was a simple formula but we loved it!

Now personally Ive had enough of Alan Smith. Don't get me wrong I'm sure he's a nice guy but his mono-tone analysis and the constant bombardment of cliche's we have to listen to if we play Fifa12 is just too much now. Jumping ship quickly to ITV and Andy Townsend is another guy who is like marmite - love or hate. I don't mind him on the whole but sometimes after the 90 minutes is up your tired and you've tuned out to what he is saying. Clive Tyldesleyi do like though, because you can feel him getting caught up in the game and you can hear the emotion and enthusiasm in his voice. all in all he makes you feel like you could be sitting next to him in the stands and that for me, adds to the experience of watching a football match on TV.

Flying back to Sky Sports HQ now and for me the most up and coming commentator is Gary Neville. He has always had his critics during his career, but being as outspoken as he is its not suprising.

on the whole he seems to capture what the majority of people watching the game are thinking, and isn't shy in giving his opinions. Which is a trait i think people should respect even if they don't necessarily agree with. he has a style that appears to suggest he doesn't take himself or the game too seriously, which is a problem i feel could suffocate the game eventually. Because after all it is a game and the whole definition of a game is to get enjoyment from it.

I hope Neville continues his approach to punditry because it would be refreshing to see the new generation of Sky pundits coming through. It keeps football interesting as it evolves and adapts if we are hearing different views on the game from different sources.

i do feel sorry for Gray and Keys but it has left the door open for new talents to share their opinions and views on the game. Something and someone that keeps the game we love, relevant, new and watchable.