Gary Neville
“City will win that league by 10 points.” Neville made that prediction back in early February, with Arsenal five points clear (and with a game in hand) of their rivals. People smirked, but they are not laughing now. Neville – like every pundit – has also got plenty wrong, but the eight-times Premier League title winner’s opinion carries an authority that few can match, and he remains a brilliant broadcaster. There is no “say what you see” with Neville: his in-depth tactical analysis is insightful but succinct, while Monday Night Football remains essential viewing – the interview with the PGMOL chief refereeing officer Howard Webb this month was headline news. A pundit on top of his game.
Laura Woods
Although she is known primarily as a presenter – Woods was the finest British broadcaster at the World Cup with ITV – the 35-year-old’s day job at TalkSport allows her to weigh in as a pundit. In the face of live radio, breaking news and even listener phone-ins, Woods seems completely at ease, whether it’s joking around with Ally McCoist or tackling more difficult subjects; her recent reaction to the racism directed at Vinícius Júnior in Spain is worth a listen. Unlike some of her shock-jock colleagues, Woods provides a balance and nuance that seems to unite the tribal audience. Being likeable should not be underestimated – just ask Jake Humphrey – and it is not a shock to see Woods tipped to replace the now-former BT Sport presenter as the new face of the rebranded TNT Sports next season.
Ian Wright
The former striker has now passed over into the realm of national treasure. Wright’s energy is infectious, even in a studio as sterile as that of Match of the Day. Unusually, his affinity and love for Arsenal is a strength. Unless you are a Manchester City fan, it has been a pleasure to switch on MOTD and see Wright beaming through one of Gary Lineker’s intros after one of Arsenal’s many excellent wins. But there is a depth to Wright: he talks eloquently on subjects from racism to referees and speaks with great authority. He was also the first MOTD pundit to publicly step back in support of Lineker, when the presenter was suspended by the BBC earlier this season. If you haven’t listened to Wrighty’s House, his podcast, then you should. It’s good stuff.
Adam Virgo
If BT Sport’s Champions League coverage leaves something to be desired, the broadcaster’s focus on non-league football has been excellent. The two Adams – Summerton and Virgo – epitomise enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, the lower leagues, with the latter much improved in recent years. There has been plenty to get stuck into in the National League this season, from Wrexham’s Hollywood owners to the travails of former Football League clubs like Yeovil and Scunthorpe. Virgo helped to provide the soundtrack to a thrilling end to the season, as Notts County’s late goals and comebacks in the playoffs left the rest of us open-mouthed.
Filthy Fellas
Not a pundit, but pundits. These lads know ball. Well, some of them do, anyway. But whether you listen to the podcast or watch their YouTube videos, Filthy @ Five is brilliant hour of nonsense; a round table of mates that shoot the breeze and love their football. Hosted by Tego Sigel, the channel has grown in the last year with recent guests including Rio Ferdinand, Andy Cole, Micah Richards and Alex Iwobi. Filthy might not have the production values that TV companies can offer but the regulars – Specs Gonzalez, Savage Dan, Jordy (not Jordan), Miles Fearon, Margs, Lippy, PK Humble and Poet to name but a few – are box office.
