The Legend Continues

Ian Wright is a legend.

I have only known this fact myself for the last nine months or so, however.

I had heard of him before of course. I even knew he was a footballer (so he must have been famous!). And I remember him having some talk show on television which I thought was simply awful. He came across as wooden and not very bright to be honest.

I re-encountered him on Talk Sport last year, initially with horror remembering my previous experience. I remember at the time my lover saying he was really great and me just not getting it.

But gradually, gradually I have grown to absolutely adore him. Its as if he has found a new medium to express himself after football. Natural - not trying to be something he thinks he should be, but just being himself.

I have also seen him a couple of times recently on Match of the Day and completely seen the person I saw before. Like a fish out of water. No great surprise then to learn that he has left the programme, inferring he had been treated like a fool.

I completely agree with what he says about the format of MOTD. It is simply awful. But if you haven't got Sky, its a lifeline to girls like me.

So what is it about the Talk Sport environment that works so well for him? Is it because it is radio? Well maybe. He certainly seems to relax knowing he does not have to perform visually. I think it has more to do with the 'laddishness' of the station though.

It's interesting really, because as I have said before, it has taken me a time to get into TS and there are still some bits I can't abide. What I love about Wrighty is his ability to 'be a lad' whilst providing a wonderful role model for men. His down to earth moral reasoning about life, his willingness to listen and to challenge constructively and his childlike sense of humour, are compelling qualities.

And to top it all he used to play football like a god. With an interesting journey into the professional side of the sport, which I will have to tell you about some other time.

The legend continues.

To Be Brutally Honest..............

........ was the subject of a phone-in today on Talk Sport.

I have to say if you had told me this time last year that I would be a regular listener, I would have said you were having a laugh. Firstly they talk about football most of the time. And second it is quite 'blokey'.

Not surprisingly, though, as my interest in football has increased over the months, I gravitated to 1089/1053 AM. I think Mike Parry is great. I love his energy and passion and he knows stacks about football. Obviously it is disappointing he is an Everton fan but no-one is perfect.

Other favourites are Alan Brazil and of course the adorable Wrighty.

Anyway, having a few days off before I go back to work on Monday, I tuned in, feeling particularly safe from any 'blokeiness' as I was painting my dining room a gorgeous girlie pink.

The "To be brutally honest..." discussion topic was intended to provide an opportunity for people to ring in and say the unsayable. Quotes include:

"Steve Redgrave has never had the recognition he deserves because its rowing. No-one cares"

"Wenger is a rubbish manager. He doesn't buy players in because he is no good at spotting talent."

"Most people would laugh if Allardyce lost his job because he bigged himself up"

I will leave you to decide on the validity of each of these.

Like I say, Talk Sport is an acquired taste.