Players' Punditry Appearances

Curious as to people's thoughts on our players (namely our centre backs) appearing on various sports TV programmes this season.

We've had:

Dawson: Soccer Saturday and during the broadcast of Leicester Vs Hull City on Sky.

Bruce: Sports Morning on Sky Sports News, MOTD2Extra and BT'a broadcast of Hull City Vs Man Utd.

Davies: MOTD2Extra and Sports Morning on Sky Sports News.

Do you see these as unneeded distractions for the player during the PL season or harmless ventures looking after their futures after playing?

Thought I'd ask after seeing our players seeming to appear more than any other club on TV so far this season in those guest roles.

 

I will never get anyone who suggests this would hinder a performance, it just doesn't.


Ooh, 30,000 posts. What a sad bastard.

 

Did Fergie allow Man U players? Cant remember any.
Does Wenger let Arsenal players? I dont think so.

They're successful clubs and players.

Spend your spare time studying our opponents Curtis or practice with that shovel of a left foot.

 

Wouldn't affect their performances any more than sitting on a sofa at their home would

 

So why did Fergie stop players doing anything like that? Stay focussed on the job perhaps?

 

If I were a player, I'd accept TV appearances to protect my future after the game.

 

I can't see a problem with it. To me its a bit of a break from their normal routine.

I am sure there would be an outcry if peoples employers said you can't go and watch football on your days off as it could affect your performance on a Monday after the game.

Rio Ferdinob was a pundit during his playing days wasn't he?

 

All Wenger's players back in the day were too pissed to be a pundit. You would have found them talking **** at the local boozer or the local bookies....

 

It's good that we have smart intelligent players that can be on the telly without the need for sub titles.

 

Has it happened in previous seasons or is this something new this season? There must be other players doing it from other clubs as well.

 

I was a bit surprised that the fee for an appearance on SKY was £500 according to Curtis, hardly seems worth the effort. Probably thinking more about the future I guess.

 

Kilbane does Final Score.

 

Most pundits show favour to their old teams, ex-Liverpool pundits especially, Kilbane never mentions us, mercenary.

 

I know.

 

If asked about us he does. He's not in any position to set the agenda is he ? Wasn't he the one who voluntarily offered to take a reduction in his salary after we were relegated the first time ?

 

He does indeed, I've never heard him bad mouth the club or his time with us - top pro and great pundit.

 

Yes, reduced his contract to extend it i believe

 

Given Davies's performances to date don't think it's done him much harm .. as has been said the other two are out injured .. simples

 

I seem to remember that while he took a cut he also negotiated a years extension thereby ensuring another year employment at the end of his career