Match of the Day celebrates its 50th anniversary this week, after launching back in August 1964 with a game between Arsenal and Liverpool.
Half a century later, after five decades of triumph and tragedy for football fans across the country, the UK's flagship football programme is still going strong and remains as iconic as ever.
To celebrate this, Digital Spy has collated its own Premier League table of Motd icons from past and present. Using a (likely contentious) points system based around football knowledge, longevity on the show and a certain 'magic factor' that makes them a warm presence on our screens, this is our just-for-fun chart of the biggest names in its history.
Key: K=Knowledge L=Longevity M=Magic Factor (out of 10)
20. Robbie Savage – 14 points
K: 4, L: 4, M: 6
Love him or hate him, Robbie has grown to become one of Motd's most regular pundits over the past couple of...
Half a century later, after five decades of triumph and tragedy for football fans across the country, the UK's flagship football programme is still going strong and remains as iconic as ever.
To celebrate this, Digital Spy has collated its own Premier League table of Motd icons from past and present. Using a (likely contentious) points system based around football knowledge, longevity on the show and a certain 'magic factor' that makes them a warm presence on our screens, this is our just-for-fun chart of the biggest names in its history.
Key: K=Knowledge L=Longevity M=Magic Factor (out of 10)
20. Robbie Savage – 14 points
K: 4, L: 4, M: 6
Love him or hate him, Robbie has grown to become one of Motd's most regular pundits over the past couple of...
- 8/22/2014
- Digital Spy
David Beckham and Russell Brand are among the stars to appear in an upcoming Match of the Day documentary.
The one-off programme will mark the 50th anniversary of the iconic football highlights show on Friday, August 22 at 10.35pm.
New clips from the special include friendly rivals Lord Alan Sugar and Piers Morgan discussing their love of the game and Match of the Day.
Another clip features the likes of Russell Brand, Sue Johnston and Greg Dyke speaking about the show's different presenters over the years, including Jimmy Hill, Des Lynam, and current host Gary Lineker.
Alan Shearer, Ian Wright and Alan Hansen are among the Match of the Day pundits of past and present that will feature in the show.
Ryan Giggs, Michael Owen, Jose Mourinho and Thierry Henry will be just some of the football icons that will make an appearance as well.
Composer Barry Stoller will also discuss...
The one-off programme will mark the 50th anniversary of the iconic football highlights show on Friday, August 22 at 10.35pm.
New clips from the special include friendly rivals Lord Alan Sugar and Piers Morgan discussing their love of the game and Match of the Day.
Another clip features the likes of Russell Brand, Sue Johnston and Greg Dyke speaking about the show's different presenters over the years, including Jimmy Hill, Des Lynam, and current host Gary Lineker.
Alan Shearer, Ian Wright and Alan Hansen are among the Match of the Day pundits of past and present that will feature in the show.
Ryan Giggs, Michael Owen, Jose Mourinho and Thierry Henry will be just some of the football icons that will make an appearance as well.
Composer Barry Stoller will also discuss...
- 8/18/2014
- Digital Spy
Match of the Day will add Phil Neville, Ruud Gullit and Rio Ferdinand to its punditry team for the 2014/15 season, it has been revealed.
The trio will replace Alan Hansen, who retired from BBC Sport after the Brazil World Cup.
Neville lands the role despite criticism of his performance at the World Cup, which sparked a huge amount of jokes and mockery on Twitter.
Alan Shearer, Robbie Savage and Danny Murphy will remain as the core punditry team as the show celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Gary Lineker also returns as the host for his 16th year at the helm, delivering augmented reality graphics, Opta statistics and live social media votes.
Commentators for the new season are Guy Mowbray, Steve Wilson, Jonathan Pearce, Simon Brotherton, Steve Bower and John Motson, who has been with the programme for over 40 of the 50 years.
Match of the Day's 50th anniversary will be celebrated...
The trio will replace Alan Hansen, who retired from BBC Sport after the Brazil World Cup.
Neville lands the role despite criticism of his performance at the World Cup, which sparked a huge amount of jokes and mockery on Twitter.
Alan Shearer, Robbie Savage and Danny Murphy will remain as the core punditry team as the show celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Gary Lineker also returns as the host for his 16th year at the helm, delivering augmented reality graphics, Opta statistics and live social media votes.
Commentators for the new season are Guy Mowbray, Steve Wilson, Jonathan Pearce, Simon Brotherton, Steve Bower and John Motson, who has been with the programme for over 40 of the 50 years.
Match of the Day's 50th anniversary will be celebrated...
- 8/6/2014
- Digital Spy
Paul Scholes has joined BT Sport's lineup of football pundits.
The Manchester United and England legend has signed a four-year deal with the broadcaster to become a full-time pundit for the first time.
He will work for the broadcaster from the start of the 2014-15 season, which kicks off next month.
Scholes will join his former Manchester United teammates Michael Owen and Owen Hargreaves on the channel.
Grant Best, Senior Channel Executive Producer at BT Sport, said: "Paul has proved himself to be a forthright and astute pundit since he hung up his boots.
"His recent opinions have been every bit as tenacious as his tackling on the pitch. It is fantastic that we have been able to sign up a legend like Paul to offer a unique insight, based on a record of consistent success at the highest level of the game."
Scholes was rumoured to be in line...
The Manchester United and England legend has signed a four-year deal with the broadcaster to become a full-time pundit for the first time.
He will work for the broadcaster from the start of the 2014-15 season, which kicks off next month.
Scholes will join his former Manchester United teammates Michael Owen and Owen Hargreaves on the channel.
Grant Best, Senior Channel Executive Producer at BT Sport, said: "Paul has proved himself to be a forthright and astute pundit since he hung up his boots.
"His recent opinions have been every bit as tenacious as his tackling on the pitch. It is fantastic that we have been able to sign up a legend like Paul to offer a unique insight, based on a record of consistent success at the highest level of the game."
Scholes was rumoured to be in line...
- 7/29/2014
- Digital Spy
Despite uttering the infamous line "you can't win anything with kids", Alan Hansen went on to become one of the longest-running and most well-respected football pundits in the UK.
After 22 years, Hansen has appeared on his final edition of Match of the Day on BBC One, leaving Alan Shearer as the only regular pundit alongside Gary Lineker on the flagship football show.
With a place to fill, Digital Spy has selected 11 potential candidates to replace Hansen as the next full-time pundit from the 2014/15 season onwards.
1. Gary Neville
The BBC may be tempted to sensationally poach arguably the best pundit working today in Gary Neville. Sky are highly unlikely to let the older Neville leave, but he would bring a modern, technology-filled touch to proceedings. Despite only working on TV for a couple of seasons, he has already built a reputation as an intelligent expert, rather than just an ex-player saying a few words on screen.
After 22 years, Hansen has appeared on his final edition of Match of the Day on BBC One, leaving Alan Shearer as the only regular pundit alongside Gary Lineker on the flagship football show.
With a place to fill, Digital Spy has selected 11 potential candidates to replace Hansen as the next full-time pundit from the 2014/15 season onwards.
1. Gary Neville
The BBC may be tempted to sensationally poach arguably the best pundit working today in Gary Neville. Sky are highly unlikely to let the older Neville leave, but he would bring a modern, technology-filled touch to proceedings. Despite only working on TV for a couple of seasons, he has already built a reputation as an intelligent expert, rather than just an ex-player saying a few words on screen.
- 7/14/2014
- Digital Spy
Alan Hansen bid farewell to the Match of the Day studio last night as he called time on the 2013/14 Premier League season and also his own career at the BBC.
Hansen has been one of the key faces of BBC Football for 22 years, but after one more World Cup in Brazil, the former Liverpool captain will be hanging up his punditry boots for good.
He managed to turn "shocking defending" into a catchphrase and his line, "you can't win anything with kids" - referring to a Manchester United team who went on to win the double in 1995 - still haunts him to this day.
But Hansen hasn't been universally liked as a pundit for many years. From criticisms about his hefty pay packet, to his partnership on the Match of the Day panel with Alan Shearer, there are plenty of football fans who consider him a crossed-legged cliché machine and uninspiring.
Hansen has been one of the key faces of BBC Football for 22 years, but after one more World Cup in Brazil, the former Liverpool captain will be hanging up his punditry boots for good.
He managed to turn "shocking defending" into a catchphrase and his line, "you can't win anything with kids" - referring to a Manchester United team who went on to win the double in 1995 - still haunts him to this day.
But Hansen hasn't been universally liked as a pundit for many years. From criticisms about his hefty pay packet, to his partnership on the Match of the Day panel with Alan Shearer, there are plenty of football fans who consider him a crossed-legged cliché machine and uninspiring.
- 5/12/2014
- Digital Spy
The Crimson Field bounced back in the ratings for its finale episode on Sunday, according to overnight data.
The BBC One drama gained around 700,000 viewers from last week, attracting 5.1 million (21.6%) at 9pm.
Earlier, Countryfile topped the night overall with 6.3m (30.8%) at 7pm, followed by Antiques Roadshow with 5.1m (22.4%) at 8pm. Alan Hansen's final ever Match of the Day and the last of the season scored 2.9m (26.3%) at 10.35pm.
On BBC Two, The Best of Top Gear entertained 1.2m (5.3%) at 8pm, while Hidden Treasure: The Comedy Vault amused 1.5m (6.2%) at 9pm. Qi Xl gathered 1.5m (9.1%) at 10pm.
ITV's Catchphrase puzzled 3.4m (17.8%) at 6.45pm (139k/0.6% on +1), followed by Off Their Rockers with 3.4m (16.3%) at 7.30pm (142k/0.6%). The latest Vera climbed by around 500k to 5.6m (24.1%) at 8pm (401k/2.0%).
On Channel 4, For the Love of Cars appealed to 1.1m (4.6%) at 8pm (320k/1.4%), followed by the latest Fargo with 1.3m (5.5%) at...
The BBC One drama gained around 700,000 viewers from last week, attracting 5.1 million (21.6%) at 9pm.
Earlier, Countryfile topped the night overall with 6.3m (30.8%) at 7pm, followed by Antiques Roadshow with 5.1m (22.4%) at 8pm. Alan Hansen's final ever Match of the Day and the last of the season scored 2.9m (26.3%) at 10.35pm.
On BBC Two, The Best of Top Gear entertained 1.2m (5.3%) at 8pm, while Hidden Treasure: The Comedy Vault amused 1.5m (6.2%) at 9pm. Qi Xl gathered 1.5m (9.1%) at 10pm.
ITV's Catchphrase puzzled 3.4m (17.8%) at 6.45pm (139k/0.6% on +1), followed by Off Their Rockers with 3.4m (16.3%) at 7.30pm (142k/0.6%). The latest Vera climbed by around 500k to 5.6m (24.1%) at 8pm (401k/2.0%).
On Channel 4, For the Love of Cars appealed to 1.1m (4.6%) at 8pm (320k/1.4%), followed by the latest Fargo with 1.3m (5.5%) at...
- 5/12/2014
- Digital Spy
Alan Hansen will take part in his last ever Match of the Day this weekend and the BBC has saluted the former Liverpool captain for "changing the world of football punditry as we know it".
Hansen has been a pundit for the broadcaster for 22 years and will retire from BBC Sport after the World Cup in Brazil this summer.
Alan Hansen King of Pundits: Retiring star gets BBC tribute
Speaking about his exit, Hansen said: "I will mostly miss the people, who have been fantastic to work with. I always loved the special atmosphere of a dressing room, and the atmosphere in Match of the Day was often pretty close to that.
"It's such an iconic programme, but the great people on it have made it even better to be involved with."
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker saluted his co-star, saying: "In my opinion, as a television football...
Hansen has been a pundit for the broadcaster for 22 years and will retire from BBC Sport after the World Cup in Brazil this summer.
Alan Hansen King of Pundits: Retiring star gets BBC tribute
Speaking about his exit, Hansen said: "I will mostly miss the people, who have been fantastic to work with. I always loved the special atmosphere of a dressing room, and the atmosphere in Match of the Day was often pretty close to that.
"It's such an iconic programme, but the great people on it have made it even better to be involved with."
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker saluted his co-star, saying: "In my opinion, as a television football...
- 5/9/2014
- Digital Spy
Alan Hansen will get a special tribute documentary from the BBC to mark his departure from the pundits' chair after the Brazil World Cup.
The former Liverpool and Scottish footballer will be departing the BBC in the summer after 22 years with the broadcaster, and to mark his exit the BBC will air Alan Hansen - King of Pundits.
Rio Ferdinand, Thierry Henry among BBC's World Cup team
BBC to broadcast classic World Cup matches 'live' online
Featuring a rare interview with Hansen from his Match of the Day colleague Gary Lineker, the documentary will feature the private man opening up about his time as a player, his close friendship with Liverpool legend Kenny Daglish and the Hillsborough disaster, and also explaining why he never became a manager or coach.
Hansen's passionate and forthright approach helped transform the BBC's punditry style in the '90s and his attention to detail when...
The former Liverpool and Scottish footballer will be departing the BBC in the summer after 22 years with the broadcaster, and to mark his exit the BBC will air Alan Hansen - King of Pundits.
Rio Ferdinand, Thierry Henry among BBC's World Cup team
BBC to broadcast classic World Cup matches 'live' online
Featuring a rare interview with Hansen from his Match of the Day colleague Gary Lineker, the documentary will feature the private man opening up about his time as a player, his close friendship with Liverpool legend Kenny Daglish and the Hillsborough disaster, and also explaining why he never became a manager or coach.
Hansen's passionate and forthright approach helped transform the BBC's punditry style in the '90s and his attention to detail when...
- 5/7/2014
- Digital Spy
Men's fashion can be pretty boring. But unless you're Tinie Tempah, it's best to stick to classic black tie
Is it ever possible for men to get "creative" with black tie and not look like douchebags?
Guy, via Twitter
I like how you put "creative" in hesitant quote marks, Guy, because that strongly suggests that you know the answer to this question already and that answer is "no". Now, I wouldn't go so far as to call them "douchebags", but attempts to experiment with the tux are either, at best, a bit silly, or, at worst, downright teeth-grating. Basically, any time a man tries to break out of the black-and-white prison, he ends up with what we in the fashion business call "a strong look", which is a euphemism for either "a terrible look" or "basically a costume that you're going to have to justify wearing all evening". I'll get...
Is it ever possible for men to get "creative" with black tie and not look like douchebags?
Guy, via Twitter
I like how you put "creative" in hesitant quote marks, Guy, because that strongly suggests that you know the answer to this question already and that answer is "no". Now, I wouldn't go so far as to call them "douchebags", but attempts to experiment with the tux are either, at best, a bit silly, or, at worst, downright teeth-grating. Basically, any time a man tries to break out of the black-and-white prison, he ends up with what we in the fashion business call "a strong look", which is a euphemism for either "a terrible look" or "basically a costume that you're going to have to justify wearing all evening". I'll get...
- 3/4/2014
- by Hadley Freeman
- The Guardian - Film News
Match of the Day's panel should follow plans for comedy shows in being more diverse, BBC director of television Danny Cohen has said.
Asked about his plans to introduce a ban on all-male panels in comedy, Cohen suggested that the football highlights show should follow a similar approach.
"If we have five people on a panel show, it shouldn't be five white men," Cohen was quoted by Broadcast as telling the BBC Reflect and Represent event on Wednesday (February 26).
"I think the same thing of Match of the Day. It's a very diverse sport and it shouldn't be like that when we make that programme."
He did not say that there should be an out-and-out ban on all-male, all-white Match of the Day panels.
He added of the sex issue on panel shows: "There isn't a problem on some of the panel shows - they try to have a...
Asked about his plans to introduce a ban on all-male panels in comedy, Cohen suggested that the football highlights show should follow a similar approach.
"If we have five people on a panel show, it shouldn't be five white men," Cohen was quoted by Broadcast as telling the BBC Reflect and Represent event on Wednesday (February 26).
"I think the same thing of Match of the Day. It's a very diverse sport and it shouldn't be like that when we make that programme."
He did not say that there should be an out-and-out ban on all-male, all-white Match of the Day panels.
He added of the sex issue on panel shows: "There isn't a problem on some of the panel shows - they try to have a...
- 2/28/2014
- Digital Spy
Thierry Henry has signed for the BBC's World Cup coverage in Brazil next summer.
The former Arsenal star, who now plays for Mls side New York Red Bulls, will join the broadcaster's presentation team of Gary Lineker, Rio Ferdinand, Clarence Seedorf, Alan Shearer, Phil Neville and Alan Hansen.
Henry - currently on break from the Us soccer season - will also appear on the Match of the Day panel tonight (December 14), alongside Lineker and Shearer.
Presenter Lineker said: "Thierry is one of the best strikers to have graced the game and really resonates with the British audience after such a successful time at Arsenal.
"He is full of charisma and brings with him tremendous insight from his career in France, Italy, Spain, England and the USA."
Henry, who scored 51 goals in 123 appearances for France, said: "I am delighted to be joining Gary Lineker and the rest of the BBC team for the tournament in Brazil.
The former Arsenal star, who now plays for Mls side New York Red Bulls, will join the broadcaster's presentation team of Gary Lineker, Rio Ferdinand, Clarence Seedorf, Alan Shearer, Phil Neville and Alan Hansen.
Henry - currently on break from the Us soccer season - will also appear on the Match of the Day panel tonight (December 14), alongside Lineker and Shearer.
Presenter Lineker said: "Thierry is one of the best strikers to have graced the game and really resonates with the British audience after such a successful time at Arsenal.
"He is full of charisma and brings with him tremendous insight from his career in France, Italy, Spain, England and the USA."
Henry, who scored 51 goals in 123 appearances for France, said: "I am delighted to be joining Gary Lineker and the rest of the BBC team for the tournament in Brazil.
- 12/14/2013
- Digital Spy
"You can't win anything with kids," once proclaimed pundit Alan Hansen on Match of the Day, referring to the very same Manchester United youngsters who went on to win not anything, but everything, over the following four seasons.
New documentary The Class of '92 tells the incredible story of how David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil and Gary Neville became best friends as well as heroes for their club.
Digital Spy met up with two of the Class in Manchester - Paul and Gary - to discuss the movie, who they reckon could play them in a Hollywood biopic and the time Man City fan Noel Gallagher got his hands on Gary's guitar...
Hello, lads. I really enjoyed the movie, documentary - whatever you want to call it...
Paul Scholes: "Movie's better."
Movie, it is. Firstly, what was the point when you realised how special this group of players were?...
New documentary The Class of '92 tells the incredible story of how David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil and Gary Neville became best friends as well as heroes for their club.
Digital Spy met up with two of the Class in Manchester - Paul and Gary - to discuss the movie, who they reckon could play them in a Hollywood biopic and the time Man City fan Noel Gallagher got his hands on Gary's guitar...
Hello, lads. I really enjoyed the movie, documentary - whatever you want to call it...
Paul Scholes: "Movie's better."
Movie, it is. Firstly, what was the point when you realised how special this group of players were?...
- 11/29/2013
- Digital Spy
Gary Lineker has defended Match of the Day from criticism of its football analysis and punditry.
The former England striker has presented the highlights show since Des Lynam's departure in 1999. It has in recent years been criticised by Stan Collymore and others for a lack of quality in its analysis.
"It's comfortably the most difficult thing in terms of football punditry on television," Lineker told Digital Spy.
"It's the most-watched show for a start - it's not an anoraky kind of show, we don't have hours.
"Our show is not aimed at people that think they're technically better than they are because they play FIFA or whatever.
"It's aimed at the general public who want to watch the highlights of their teams with a little of bit of a) analysis b) opinion and c) news stories of the day. We also have, obviously, very little time."
Gary's Great Ingredient...
The former England striker has presented the highlights show since Des Lynam's departure in 1999. It has in recent years been criticised by Stan Collymore and others for a lack of quality in its analysis.
"It's comfortably the most difficult thing in terms of football punditry on television," Lineker told Digital Spy.
"It's the most-watched show for a start - it's not an anoraky kind of show, we don't have hours.
"Our show is not aimed at people that think they're technically better than they are because they play FIFA or whatever.
"It's aimed at the general public who want to watch the highlights of their teams with a little of bit of a) analysis b) opinion and c) news stories of the day. We also have, obviously, very little time."
Gary's Great Ingredient...
- 9/23/2013
- Digital Spy
Gary Lineker wants David Beckham to replace Alan Hansen on 'Match of the Day'. The 52-year-old presenter would love the former England international to take over from the retiring pundit but admits it is unlikely the ex-Manchester United player - who has an underwear range and has previously revealed he would love to start a football franchise in the Us - would join the BBC One show. He told The Sun newspaper: ''I'd love to get David Beckham but I think he has made it pretty clear where his career lies. ''With Alan about to retire, there is a space for...
- 9/18/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
Gary Lineker has named David Beckham as an ideal candidate to join Match of the Day.
Alan Hansen recently announced plans to leave the BBC football show after 22 years following the 2014 World Cup.
Although he would like the former Manchester United player to step into Hansen's shoes, Lineker said that he doesn't expect Beckham to move into punditry.
"I'd love to get David Beckham but I think he has made it pretty clear where his career lies," he told The Sun.
"With Alan about to retire, there is a space for the next big star of punditry - and hopefully we will find him.
"We are trying lots of different faces and might continue to mix it up more but who knows?"
Lineker added that Hansen's presence will be "missed" on the programme.
"I am going to miss Alan. He has been at the top of his field for 20 years and is brilliant.
Alan Hansen recently announced plans to leave the BBC football show after 22 years following the 2014 World Cup.
Although he would like the former Manchester United player to step into Hansen's shoes, Lineker said that he doesn't expect Beckham to move into punditry.
"I'd love to get David Beckham but I think he has made it pretty clear where his career lies," he told The Sun.
"With Alan about to retire, there is a space for the next big star of punditry - and hopefully we will find him.
"We are trying lots of different faces and might continue to mix it up more but who knows?"
Lineker added that Hansen's presence will be "missed" on the programme.
"I am going to miss Alan. He has been at the top of his field for 20 years and is brilliant.
- 9/18/2013
- Digital Spy
Gary Lineker wants David Beckham to replace Alan Hansen on 'Match of the Day'. The 52-year-old presenter would love the former England international to take over from the retiring pundit but admits it is unlikely the ex-Manchester United player - who has an underwear range and has previously revealed he would love to start a football franchise in the Us - would join the BBC One show. He told The Sun newspaper: ''I'd love to get David Beckham but I think he has made it pretty clear where his career lies. ''With Alan about to retire, there is a space for...
- 9/16/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
After 22 years on Match of the Day, Alan Hansen will retire from the show at the end of the World Cup next summer.
Known for his abhorrence of shocking defending, the ex-Liverpool captain has been a distinctive member of the panel whose boots will be hard to fill.
But will you miss Hansen? Or do you feel that there has long been a need for new blood on the show?
Vote in our poll and leave your thoughts in the comments box below.
Known for his abhorrence of shocking defending, the ex-Liverpool captain has been a distinctive member of the panel whose boots will be hard to fill.
But will you miss Hansen? Or do you feel that there has long been a need for new blood on the show?
Vote in our poll and leave your thoughts in the comments box below.
- 9/5/2013
- Digital Spy
Alan Hansen is retiring from his role as a pundit on Match of the Day.
The former Liverpool captain has featured on the BBC's football highlights show for 22 years.
Hansen said: "I've been in football for 41 years and I'm going out right at the top, just as I did at Liverpool.
"The plan was always that I would retire at 55. I kept going, but I finally decided to retire during Euro 2012."
The commentator will depart the programme following next year's World Cup in Brazil.
Reports in May suggested that BT Sport was interested in hiring Hansen, but he has decided to quit completely.
Fellow pundit Mark Lawrenson's role on Match of the Day has been reduced for the new football season.
The former Liverpool captain has featured on the BBC's football highlights show for 22 years.
Hansen said: "I've been in football for 41 years and I'm going out right at the top, just as I did at Liverpool.
"The plan was always that I would retire at 55. I kept going, but I finally decided to retire during Euro 2012."
The commentator will depart the programme following next year's World Cup in Brazil.
Reports in May suggested that BT Sport was interested in hiring Hansen, but he has decided to quit completely.
Fellow pundit Mark Lawrenson's role on Match of the Day has been reduced for the new football season.
- 9/4/2013
- Digital Spy
Mark Lawrenson will have a reduced role on BBC One's Match of the Day.
Lawrenson was not mentioned in a BBC press release for the upcoming season, despite other pundits being named.
> Gus Poyet learns of Brighton sacking at live BBC football game - video
"Match of the Day makes its comeback as the appointment viewing in football fans' weekly TV schedule, with Gary Lineker hosting the enduringly popular highlights and analysis show," the release read.
"This season he'll be joined in the studio by the Premier League's leading all-time scorer Alan Shearer, the inimitable Alan Hansen and a range of new faces including Gus Poyet, Robbie Fowler, Les Ferdinand, Michael Owen, Robbie Savage and Gianluca Vialli."
> Ian Wright to co-host BBC Radio 5 Live's '606' with Kelly Cates
Lawrenson has reportedly been offered a two-year contract to continue in a reduced role focusing on Radio 5 Live and Match of the Day 2,...
Lawrenson was not mentioned in a BBC press release for the upcoming season, despite other pundits being named.
> Gus Poyet learns of Brighton sacking at live BBC football game - video
"Match of the Day makes its comeback as the appointment viewing in football fans' weekly TV schedule, with Gary Lineker hosting the enduringly popular highlights and analysis show," the release read.
"This season he'll be joined in the studio by the Premier League's leading all-time scorer Alan Shearer, the inimitable Alan Hansen and a range of new faces including Gus Poyet, Robbie Fowler, Les Ferdinand, Michael Owen, Robbie Savage and Gianluca Vialli."
> Ian Wright to co-host BBC Radio 5 Live's '606' with Kelly Cates
Lawrenson has reportedly been offered a two-year contract to continue in a reduced role focusing on Radio 5 Live and Match of the Day 2,...
- 8/2/2013
- Digital Spy
Ian Wright has been appointed co-host of BBC Radio 5 live's 606 programme for the 2013/14 season.
The former Arsenal striker will present the live football phone-in show with Kelly Cates on Sundays.
Wright - who previously worked as a pundit on Match of the Day - said he was pleased to be back on the BBC.
"There will be lots to talk about and a lot of divided opinion," he said. "For me, it's all about the fans and what the fans think. I like to hear all sorts of opinions, everyone is entitled to one."
Cates - daughter of Liverpool icon Kenny Dalglish - said of Wright: "As well as having been a brilliant footballer, he's a real fan of the game."
"You don't know what somebody's going to ask," she continued, "what point somebody's going to make, which way the conversation is going to go.
"When it does get heated and it does get passionate,...
The former Arsenal striker will present the live football phone-in show with Kelly Cates on Sundays.
Wright - who previously worked as a pundit on Match of the Day - said he was pleased to be back on the BBC.
"There will be lots to talk about and a lot of divided opinion," he said. "For me, it's all about the fans and what the fans think. I like to hear all sorts of opinions, everyone is entitled to one."
Cates - daughter of Liverpool icon Kenny Dalglish - said of Wright: "As well as having been a brilliant footballer, he's a real fan of the game."
"You don't know what somebody's going to ask," she continued, "what point somebody's going to make, which way the conversation is going to go.
"When it does get heated and it does get passionate,...
- 8/1/2013
- Digital Spy
Alan Hansen has reportedly decided to quit Match of the Day.
The football pundit is said to have told producers that he will leave the BBC show after the 2014 World Cup, The Sun reports.
Last year, it was revealed that Hansen was paid £1.5 million a year for his role on Match of the Day, which was later reduced to £1 million.
BT Sport have allegedly attempted to poach him for their new lineup of shows, but Hansen reportedly wants to quit TV altogether for the time being.
A source said: "Alan is sad to go but he's had a fair run at it. It was more or less a mutual decision between him and the BBC.
"He's not currently considering any other offers and is looking forward to some time off. He is nearly 60 now and he's got more than enough money to retire."
When approached for a comment by Digital Spy,...
The football pundit is said to have told producers that he will leave the BBC show after the 2014 World Cup, The Sun reports.
Last year, it was revealed that Hansen was paid £1.5 million a year for his role on Match of the Day, which was later reduced to £1 million.
BT Sport have allegedly attempted to poach him for their new lineup of shows, but Hansen reportedly wants to quit TV altogether for the time being.
A source said: "Alan is sad to go but he's had a fair run at it. It was more or less a mutual decision between him and the BBC.
"He's not currently considering any other offers and is looking forward to some time off. He is nearly 60 now and he's got more than enough money to retire."
When approached for a comment by Digital Spy,...
- 5/16/2013
- Digital Spy
Starting a successful career in football television broadcasting is often considered to be as difficult as actually starting a professional footballing career. Some would even say that in order to work within this industry you would need to have been a professional footballer, or at-least have some previous association to the game.
Take for example, the line-up of Saturday night’s popular Match of The Day (Motd) football highlights show, presented by Gary Lineker (Ex-pro and former England Captain), and most commonly guest presented by pundits Alan Shearer (Ex-pro), Mark Lawrenson (Ex-pro), and Alan Hansen (Ex-pro). Similarly, Sky Sports newly appointed main pundit Gary Neville has only just finished hanging up his boots at Manchester United, while his controversial predecessor Andy Gray, also began his career as a professional footballer. Andy now works as a presenter for talkSPORT.
Who Are The Real Industry Experts?
It seems almost stupid to question the rationale behind it.
Take for example, the line-up of Saturday night’s popular Match of The Day (Motd) football highlights show, presented by Gary Lineker (Ex-pro and former England Captain), and most commonly guest presented by pundits Alan Shearer (Ex-pro), Mark Lawrenson (Ex-pro), and Alan Hansen (Ex-pro). Similarly, Sky Sports newly appointed main pundit Gary Neville has only just finished hanging up his boots at Manchester United, while his controversial predecessor Andy Gray, also began his career as a professional footballer. Andy now works as a presenter for talkSPORT.
Who Are The Real Industry Experts?
It seems almost stupid to question the rationale behind it.
- 3/26/2013
- by Oliver Capel
- Obsessed with Film
Alan Hansen has created a Twitter storm after making an impossible prediction. The former Liverpool player joined other pundits in predicting which four nations will make the semi-finals of Euro 2012. However, the Match of the Day star chose three teams from the same group to make it to the final four. Hansen picked Group B teams Germany, Portugal and the Netherlands to reach the semi-finals of the competition, though only two are able to make it through to the knockout stages. Also choosing Spain, he wrote: "It is the usual suspects in (more)...
- 6/6/2012
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
BBC football pundit Alan Hansen has issued an apology for twice using the term "coloured" on Match of the Day last night (December 21). Match of the Day host Gary Lineker asked Hansen for his thoughts about racism in British football following the news that England captain John Terry is to be charged with using racist language. Hansen said: "I think it's better, not only with the players but with the supporters. I think there's a lot of coloured players in all the teams, all the major teams, and there's a lot of coloured players that are probably the best in the Premier League. (more)...
- 12/22/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Sang Cha, who worked with such stars as Juliette Lewis and Sean Astin, is to be ordained as a Church of Scotland minister
A former Hollywood agent who earned millions of dollars working for stars such as Juliette Lewis has found a new calling, as a Protestant minister in central Scotland.
Sang Cha, 34, earned $3m (£1.8m) a year in Hollywood, worked 85 hours a week and immersed himself in the celebrity lifestyle of a movie agent.
But on Thursday evening, he will be ordained as the new minister for the Church of Scotland parish of St Mungo's in Alloa, a former river port in Clackmannanshire.
Born in Seoul, Cha is the first person of direct Korean descent to be ordained into the Church of Scotland.
His grandfather converted to Presbyterianism under the influence of the Scottish missionary John Ross, who preached in what was then Manchuria from the late 1800s and...
A former Hollywood agent who earned millions of dollars working for stars such as Juliette Lewis has found a new calling, as a Protestant minister in central Scotland.
Sang Cha, 34, earned $3m (£1.8m) a year in Hollywood, worked 85 hours a week and immersed himself in the celebrity lifestyle of a movie agent.
But on Thursday evening, he will be ordained as the new minister for the Church of Scotland parish of St Mungo's in Alloa, a former river port in Clackmannanshire.
Born in Seoul, Cha is the first person of direct Korean descent to be ordained into the Church of Scotland.
His grandfather converted to Presbyterianism under the influence of the Scottish missionary John Ross, who preached in what was then Manchuria from the late 1800s and...
- 6/2/2011
- by Severin Carrell
- The Guardian - Film News
Theo Walcott should not be worried about whether he has been blessed with a brain like Paul Gascoigne's
Is there any other activity in the field of human endeavour apart from scoring a goal in a football match that is said to be performed with aplomb? I only ask because Mark Hughes chose the word on Match of the Day lauding Fulham's equalising goal at Blackpool, which he said Dickson Etuhu "finished with aplomb". Charmingly old school. The last time I remember anyone using the expression "finished with aplomb" was in the Fast Show circa 1996, when Paul Whitehouse's manager/pundit character made it sound like "finished with a plum". How we laughed, but then we had no smart phones in those days, we had to make our own fun.
Plum or plomb, it is a difficult one to work into normal discourse. Should one of my children ask...
Is there any other activity in the field of human endeavour apart from scoring a goal in a football match that is said to be performed with aplomb? I only ask because Mark Hughes chose the word on Match of the Day lauding Fulham's equalising goal at Blackpool, which he said Dickson Etuhu "finished with aplomb". Charmingly old school. The last time I remember anyone using the expression "finished with aplomb" was in the Fast Show circa 1996, when Paul Whitehouse's manager/pundit character made it sound like "finished with a plum". How we laughed, but then we had no smart phones in those days, we had to make our own fun.
Plum or plomb, it is a difficult one to work into normal discourse. Should one of my children ask...
- 8/29/2010
- by Martin Kelner
- The Guardian - Film News
Lining up against each other today in the arena of augmented reality football apps are two teams: one from Germany, the other from the U.S. Both sides play mightily different football--while Germany's is a model of teutonic efficiency, a collaboration of three major players: Junaio, Impire, and Vodafone Deutschland, the U.S. model is a cute little banner ad that puts the spectator at the center of the action.
The smartphone app--for iPhone and Android models only--allows users to find the closest public viewing area to them, and leave comments for their mates via either Facebook or a Vodafone-supported Web site. You get the stats, and if you're lucky enough to be watching the divots flying in a South African stadium, you get a spanky little virtual scoreboard suspended above the turf.
The second one is a scruffier prospect--think Dempsey sans razor--that is part of an online At&T campaign.
The smartphone app--for iPhone and Android models only--allows users to find the closest public viewing area to them, and leave comments for their mates via either Facebook or a Vodafone-supported Web site. You get the stats, and if you're lucky enough to be watching the divots flying in a South African stadium, you get a spanky little virtual scoreboard suspended above the turf.
The second one is a scruffier prospect--think Dempsey sans razor--that is part of an online At&T campaign.
- 6/23/2010
- by Addy Dugdale
- Fast Company
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