Sports greatest commentators

I think people forget what makes live sport on television so exciting.


Yes people watch for the sporting action, but it's those charismatic, over zealous commentators that add that little something special to every sporting occasion.

There was no one better last night to remind me then the great Sid Waddell as I was watching a darts repeat on Sky Sports.

“Look at the man go, it’s like trying to stop a buffalo with a pea shooter.”

He has become a cult hero for his hilarious one liners and outright complete obsession for every single little detail.

Thanks to him darts is like an institution on Sky Sport’s generating huge viewing figures and sell out crowds for every tournament.

I'll never forget Waddell when commentating on an obviously very hot John Part: "He's sweating like a donkey with a belly full of vindaloo."

I'm sure you'll agree a classic piece of commentary gold.

And there are so many more, cricket might not be the world’s most exciting sport, but there have certainly been some thrilling commentators.

The Telegraph once called the great Brian Johnson, “the greatest natural broadcaster of them all”, he was superb on both television and radio.

And in rugby, I have to admit, I’m a big fan of Will Chignell. He brings so much character to every match, when Leinster won away in Toulouse in the Heineken cup three years ago that was the most excited I have ever heard a commentator on TV.

He gave the match a new purpose, he created intensity and brought the game to life just with the passion in his voice.

Only the other day I turned over to watch cycling on Euro-Sport, i am by no means a cycling fan but the commentator, ‘eccentric’, to say the least was enthralling and I was hooked.

But there are also the opposites who create tension at the most silent of sporting events, whispering Ted Lowe had snooker fans in pure suspense.

Even Dan Maskell had a style so endearing to tennis fans, “What a glorious forehand.......ooh I say."

And Ausie Richie Benaud channel 4’s cricket commentator produces superb elegant displays in front of the mic, articulating and calling the match in a faultless manner.

But for all those great commentator's and broadcasters, I can’t let this blog go without mention for those awful football pundit’s.

John Motson’s double act with Mark Lawrenson had me swiftly reaching for the mute button and for Johnathan Pearce on channel five, I swear he started his career on Robot Wars, not that I ever watched it of course.

But hey, at least we’ve now got the evervescent pair of Les Ferdinand and Alan Shearer to look forward to........... yeah right!