A Word to the Wise

In the commentary box, nothing can be quite so exasperating as John Motson’s irritating little laugh, or Barry Davies at his most sanctimonious, but Andy Gray’s constant use of phrases like “I have to say” and “I have to be honest” is beginning to run them close.

Two things to bear in mind, Andy. First, as a co-commentator, what you really ‘have to’ do is to illuminate the game, to add to the picture, using your experience as an ex-professional player and your undoubted knowledge of the game. What you should not need to do is keep reminding people of your probity – especially in the light of the widely held view that the more people bang on about their honesty, the less honest they tend to be.