1. *That* hat during Italia ’90
(Image credit: YouTube)
2. His reaction to this Naked Camera stunt
3. The fact that there was more to him than just soccer punditry
4. He inspired one of the best Apres Match creations
5. He was one of the more down-to-Earth-seeming TV presenters
6. Even when he's criticising others, he can't help but be lovely
7. He calmed the storm that was brewing over Dunphy's infamous throwing of the pen
8. The way he occasionally showed his disapproval of Eamon like a disappointed parent
9. He was involved in one of the most meta bits of TV ever
10. He said 'okey doke' so much that the words have lost all meaning
11. His bromance with John 'the senior analyst' Giles
12. The way he introduced controversial arguments whilst simultaneously deflecting the blame away from himself
13. His reaction to Dunphy's infamous F-bomb
Additional suggestions by Christine Bohan, Ben Blake, Murray Kinsella and Rónán Duffy.
A version of this piece was originally published to celebrate his birthday on 26 September, 2013.
So he’s not going to Newcastle then
@Richard O’Brien: Thought he was a shoe-in for Derby County. Everything he needs there too.. sorry, except the bottomless pit of money.
@An Observer: your not suggesting that the reason he’s so successful is the cash he can flash are you. The citeh fans won’t like that
@Richard O’Brien: An awful lot more to management than money. Obviously he can buy whoever he wants but then he has to handle all those huge egos, keep them happy and get them playing for the team, which I think is the secret to his success. If it was just about money Mickey Mouse could be manager.
@ger o’ dwyer: thanks for the lesson and I don’t necessarily disagree but I think it takes a better manager to be successful without the cash
@Richard O’Brien: careful now, in the spirit of the 21st century we shouldn’t take the piss out of minority groups.
Great to hear a man with extensive knowledge of the game commenting about how good a league the premiership is, a lot of haters out their saying the premier league is a joke, because only one or two teams can win it, which is not to far from the truth, but the overall competition for placing is brilliant and always throws up battles for the winners, top four, europa spots and relegation.
@Devilsavocado: I mean isn’t that the case for most of the top leagues in Europe?
@Devilsavocado: style of football lacking still. Too many foreigners. Should see if this year was a one off in terms of Europe, Spain has pretty much ruled the roost for a decade or more on the club and international scene. Best players like Hazard still know the best gravy. Lots love the hustle n bustle of the premier league but prob know little else.
Earth to Chippy!?