- Man In Booth
The Worldwide Leader in Stuff has pulled off a remarkable coup for next summer’s festivities in South Africa: they’ve signed longtime commentating genius Martin Tyler to be their lead play-by-play guy for the World Cup. This is truly wonderful news, as Tyler’s the best in the business and the ideal boffin to lead the American masses through the tournament.
Mr. Tyler is excited for the challenge: “The World Cup is a real challenge for any broadcaster because of the games every day. It’s a test of stamina and skills. You expect the very high standards of the players at the World Cup, and I expect to be judged by the very high standards of the American audience.” If nothing else, at least we’ll get a knowledgeable guy who can pronounce players’ names correctly.
And best of all, it means that Dave O’Brien should hopefully be nowhere near a microphone. Seeing as though these particular prayers were answered, I shall now begin my “Please Sign Andy Gray As Well” rain dance.
Thank Christ.
This is the most awesome news for fans of the sport here in the US. It simply doesn’t get any better than Martin Tyler.
There is still time for tWWL to screw this up with the color commentary, though. “Good evening from Johannesburg, South Africa, I am Martin Tyler and beside me with the color commentary for this match is Julie Foudy.”
Goddamit hockalees, don’t give them any ideas. They are stupid enough to still fuck this up.
@hockalees: Make that Brandi Chastain’s sports bra instead of Julie Foudy and you’ve found the ideal combination.
So is he the #1 guy, with Harkes and Dellacamera still on the US games? Or will he take those over as well?
Good news! Also, I would like to second that signing of Andy Gray.
Great news. I’m fairly certain Andy is already in the mix with ESPN, so long as his work with Sky doesn’t interfere.
It won’t, they don’t have the WC so he is likely free.
Now if they would just bring Jack Edwards back, it’d be perfect.
Now all they need to do is get Ray Hudson from Gol TV and we’re set.
I’m so glad Sky don’t get WC matches..
Tyler used to be all right, but a long time has passed since him and Andy Gray presented a match without talking non-stop bullshit.
Andy Gray is a joke, & Tyler is tarred with the same stinky brush by association.. they destroy the enjoyability of many of match.
Real bad, like most English commentators..
Oh Brian Moore, please come back..
..from the dead
@Luke: I take it you haven’t listened to many American soccer commentators or you’d be thanking your lucky stars you had people like Tyler and Gray.
@Goat:
I listened to one, once, cant remember when.. it was all right…. but in general, I would have to admit my ignorance..
Prefer it with the sound down these days.
The way I explain it to my friends (who watch only soccer stuff on ESPN), Andy Gray is the John Madden of soccer broadcasting. Which isn’t great I suppose, but it’s better than Marcelo Balboa or Davey O, who are the Pam Wards of soccer broadcasting.
Who’s the Rich Gannon of soccer broadcasting?
team martin tyler