Jim Beglin is no David Pleat - and that is a good thing
During Euro 2008 David Pleat (amongst other things
During Euro 2008 David Pleat (amongst other things and people) really got on my wick, well I thought it was time to give some praise to of his ITV colleagues
Jim Beglin is no David Pleat, he's not been a top flight manager, he's not a convicted curb crawler, he's not the most annoying man ever to sit alongside Clive Tyldesley. What he is however is a co-commentator who has really honed his skills and fast become the best colour analyst on terrestrial television.
It is a crime that ITV continue to prefer David Pleat over this guy. He talks honestly and gives his opinion. When he makes a mistake he apologises and gets on with it. He praises referees when they deserve praise and he disses them when they've made a ricket. He got an even shot at Champions League games this year and got a couple of big games as they shared it out between him and Pleat, but when push came to shove they went with Pleat for the Final.
I know people will be less interested in a piece about a good co-commentator than by a piece lambasting a totally inept one. However I think it is time that Jim Beglin gets the credit he deserves, he has worked hard and become excellent at his job and that is something we should all aspire to.
