The Taylor Takeover highlights the excellent work being done by Alex Scott as a pundit for the BBC during The World Cup.
The addition of Alex Scott MBE to the BBC punditry team for the World Cup has been a masterstroke.
For those of you who don’t know, Alex Scott MBE is an Arsenal & England legend. She retired from the game at culmination of the 2017/18 season. She left some legacy behind her:
· 6-time league title winner
· 7-time FA Cup winner
· 5-time League Cup winner
· Uefa Champions League Winner (Scorer of the winning goal!)
She has provided well informed insights and opinions and delivered them with a charismatic manner that has breathed life back into a stagnating line up.
The BBC should hold its pundits to the standards Alex Scott MBE has set. Gone was the arrogant, biased and misinformed narrative that many football fans are tired of. In its place was a researched and balanced narrative that would enlighten and inspire football fans across the country. The response on social media has been very positive.
Her high standards are causing other pundits to raise their levels which can only benefit the BBC in the long run. Her debut at The World Cup alongside Didier Drogba & Phil Neville was a breath of fresh air. Citing France's lack of goals in qualifying for the World Cup as a reason for the attacking set up to be changed in the 2nd half ,the use of the term "Inverted Wingers" and the humbling of Phil Neville during the post match VAR discussion were great moments. During the Japan Columbia game, co pundits Phil Neville & Matthew Upson seemed to be more prepared than I recall seeing them in recent times, especially the latter.
In an age where the level of football knowledge is arguably at the highest it has ever been, the broadcasters providing analysis, in game commentary and punditry need to up the levels to that standard. The insight that is being provided by collectives with a miniscule budget on platforms such as Youtube and Twitter is outstanding. Tifo football is a channel that springs to mind in relation to the point being made. Whether it is a 5-minute tactics video or an in depth 45 minute video, the hard work, research and creativity that goes into the videos produced show what can be done.
People don’t have to be put out of work, but they can work in tandem with people with fresh ideas and insight to produce programming the license paying public would be proud of and have no issue paying for. The sensationalism of recent times is being replaced with well thought out and informed discussion.
It would be interesting to see Alex Scott alongside Shearer & Co. The contrast in styles would be potentially be captivating viewing and she would certainly bring an insight and viewpoint that is lacking from the headline punditry line up who are all quite similar is delivery and style, apart from Rio Ferdinand who offers a different tone of voice. Adding more technical information to the sensationalism and often biased narrative would provide a perfect balance and appease all viewers and listeners.
Alex Scott is the young charismatic footballing punditry revolutionary the BBC have been crying out for. Here’s hoping she is on our screens for years to come.