Joey Barton – Is he right about Female Football Pundits?   No – They are All Rubbish

Who needs them?

Well JB certainly upset the apple cart recently when he had a go at female football pundits commenting on the men’s game.

Which clearly got me thinking. Is he right about Female Football Pundits?

And the answer is clearly, No. They, and all pundits – from both genders – are all unnecessary and not required.

Let’s be clear, most true football supporters go to the games, where they watch the sport they love without having to listen to the inane drivel spouted by the so called ‘Pundits.’

They go, watch the game, form their opinions – for whatever they are worth – and go home happy with a win, or looking forward to the next game when their team can do better. Live football is wonderful.

Why do we have pundits? To be honest I have long stopped watching the pre or post-match or half time analysis.

All of them offer the same cliched comments they continually repeat, as though those watching are unable to form an opinion.

When I was a lad I looked forward to the FA Cup final – one of the very few live games – and all the paraphernalia that went with it. I would listen to anything about the beautiful game. Mainly because there was so little live football on TV. I looked forward to the odd ex-footballers having his say.

Brian Clough and Jimmy Hill were great, Saint and Greavsie also. All good observers, with a bit on controversy to offer. The others, like now rather mundane. But I was young and innocent.

But things are so different now. There is a plethora of live football, and the TV companies believe we want to here from the pundits. Do we? Really. I don’t think so.

They also mistakenly believe that they need to ensure there is total inclusivity in the sport. So we now have both former Men and Women footballers offering their immature comments. Plus referee’s getting in on the act. It was no wonder JB was rather incensed.

I am unsure why the BBC has made GL is highest paid star, and the many others on the payroll.

ITV, Sky, BT Sport – sorry TNT – and Amazon, all feel a need to engage former footballers of both genders to pontificate to me about a game I know and already understand.

Football is a simple game we all enjoy. We don’t need or require others to tell us what we can see and hear for ourselves.

The TV companies, could put the money to far better use. Perhaps reducing their subscription fees, or getting rid of adverts, but as usual, I digress.

I have for many years now, turned on the match just before kick-off. Gone for a comfort break and a cappuccino at half time, and immediately changed channels at full time. At times I even have to turn the sound down during the game, because we now have a pundit to assist the commentator.

I often wonder how Kenneth Wolstenholme, David Coleman and early in their careers, John Motson and Barry Davies used to manage.

Let’s be perfectly clear, I don’t want, need, or desire other people telling me what just happened or explaining what I can see with my own eyes. Nor do I particularly want to listen to managers being diplomatic at the post-match interview when they are downright seething.

TV Bosses, please stop deluding yourselves by thinking you know what the public want. You don’t.

Just put on the match and let us enjoy the beautiful game.

Despite what some may say – it isn’t more than life or death – it is just a game.

And we definitely don’t require pundits of any type ruining it.