My rose-tinted glasses prevent me agreeing with Claridge frustratingly. Gary Neville was enlightening at first but has become a bit too self-aware thanks to the plethora of compliments that came his way.
You want to give Claridge a try. He's so easy to like because he's highly complimentary of Saints [ok, there's my weakness showing], but also he often hits the nail on the head. He's great entertainment on Final Score and The Monday Night Football Club. His knowledge of lower league football makes him ideal for The Football League Show, but the format of that programme doesn't allow him to be expansive. Can't forget his reaction to Papa Cisse's swerving goal against Chelsea. It was hilarious. Also when he'd shared the studio with Keown, and afterwards when he'd gone, Chappers [Mark Chapman] found him with his belt buckle undone, and Claridge immediately said that Martin has such a sexy voice..! Which had everyone in fits of laughter. All in TMNFC. Great Radio 5 programme. I think you might have something there about Neville. Then again, it might be that the novelty has worn off.
