However, in recent years, commentators have started to fall out of favour. A survey from bookmaker Coral found that 59% of fans prefer to listen to former players over professional football analysts. Also, with the rise of football fan media dominating social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram, younger fans are more likely to watch games with commentary from their favourite fan channels.
It can be said that traditional football commentary and pundits have attempted to keep up with younger audiences by creating soundbites used for social media. The result of that is Rio Ferdinand shouting ‘Ballon d’Or’ nine times down the mic. Sure, the clip went viral, but it wasn’t a sign of quality pundits.
They add to the viewing experience in the same way that the noise of the crowd does, and matches would feel sparse without them.
So, should we leave the conversation to the pundits? My honest opinion is no, we shouldn’t. Football commentary has provided its fair share of iconic moments, from Martin Tyler’s ‘Aguerooooo!’ to Gary Neville’s ‘blue billion-pound bottle jobs.’ They add to the viewing experience in the same way that the noise of the crowd does, and matches would feel sparse without them.
The insights that commentators give can be quickly Googled on a phone sitting next to you, but watching a football match is the time to switch off from it and immerse yourself in the game. Commentators allow you to learn more about the teams, without having to do any research yourself!
Their commentary is more akin to listening to two fans sitting behind me at the game.
Most importantly, commentators are incredibly important on the local radios. I like to listen to Matthew Raisbeck and John Anderson on BBC Radio Newcastle whenever Newcastle United have an away game during the 3PM blackout. Their descriptions and analysis help me feel like I was actually at the game, even though I can’t see it. Their commentary is more akin to listening to two fans sitting behind me at the game.
Overall, football commentary might be one of the more traditional aspects of the beautiful game, but I can’t imagine a world without it. As more and more young talents are emerging in the lower leagues, I think commentary is only going to get better.