It's called soccer, right?
We’re huge fans on Andy Gray around here, both for analysis and for unintentional humor and Internet memes.
Gray appeared on Fox Football Fone-in with Nick Webster (wearing an England jersey) and Eric Wynalda (wearing a New York Cosmos jersey… slut). For the most part he was OK, but he’s obviously gotten some memos from the Fox Soccer Channel brass about how to speak of the beautiful game here in the States.
Some of the highs (and lows) after the jump.
– First of all, Andy Gray looked dead sexy in a button-down and jeans. I was stunned.
– The most obvious flub was our boy Andy must have been told to call the sport soccer instead of football. He corrected himself about six times, even though Webster kept calling it football through the whole show. Either he got a memo or he’s decided that, when in the States, he has to use our silly American words.
– Apparently, we don’t know what supporters are here in America. Gray stopped himself mid-word to change supporters to “fans.” We get it, Andy, and we understand your fancy talk. Now, will you loan me a torch while I head down the lift and to the neighbour’s flat to use the loo?
– He doesn’t think Emile Heskey should be in the World Cup. OK, on that one, I agree.
– His look for the EPL next season: Chelsea can win it if they get a little younger, and they can win the Champions League; Man United of course can win it all; and Liverpool are crap considering all the money Rafa has spent.
– His pick for the World Cup is Spain — or Brazil or England or Italy or Holland. Wynalda has picked Holland.
– Andy Gray’s underdog pick for the Cup? The Yanks. But really I think he was just sucking up to the drunks at Nevada Smith’s in New York.
All in all, Andy Gray thinks Andy Gray was excellent in the show.
Andy Gray gives Andy Gray three thumbs up
Andy Gray would remind you that soccer is a British coinage originally used to demarcate football from rugby, which was “football” back then.
Andy Gray will agree with Andy Gray, Andy Gray clarifies that Soccer is an English public school deviation of the word “Association”. As in “Association Football” compared with (as already stated) “Rugby Football”
Andy Gray is a t**t
Andy Gray believes FSC is actually live in HD.
Andy Gray is aware of the soccer/football distinction, but Andy Gray realizes U.S. fans can get the difference if he uses his normal speech.
Why are you going down in a lift? Lifting something means raising it up. Also, carrying an open flame may be a safety hazard. You should check with your building super. Also, calling your neighbor flat is not nice.
@Pupsters: Andy Gray finds your humor obtuse.
@Keith: Wouldn’t that be humour?
Not enough of Ms. Temryss Lane. She was looking good rocking the USA kit.
You guys are all way too hard on this show. I loved that they moved out of the studio and to Nevada Smith’s. Andy Gray was just fine, my son wanted to know where Martin Tyler was. Great idea and they should go on the road more often. But hey what do I know, I’m just a dumb American.
@RFCSean
Most of the UF crew are dumb americans, TSE included
@RFCSean: Yes, I’m hard on the show. What’s funny is what I put in the post is kinder than my first thoughts. I was talked down a little bit by Norfolk Ned of all people.
My expectation is that they produce a show that is smart and valuable. As much as people hate Steven Cohen now, I thought the original version of FFF, with Steven and Nick Geber, was quite good even if it was over-EPL-centric.
And then I just like making fun of Andy Gray. If you want, I’ll start putting up posts about Soccernet Press Pass and rip into Tommy Smyth every week.
And to your son’s question, Andy Gray is working with FSC this summer for the World Cup. Martin Tyler is with ESPN.
And yes, I thought the show was better in a real setting than in that studio. But I’ll never like Nick Webster. Sorry.