MotD weren't overly fond of us, but the opening titles to the Premiership feature us getting stuffed in every clip. A free kick going in, Goma struggling against somebody and Michael Gray celebrating some poxy cross or other. At least McCoist rated Shearer's goal, but Terry Venables seems to have an awful lot of trouble with the concept of last defender. It must be the word "last", perhaps an e-mail to the show with different uses of the word in context would help him: last helping of cake, last paper bag full of cash, last witness for the prosecution, last year you were nearly bald but now you have a full head of hair somehow etc

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2001

Answers

Anyone enjoy Houllier's inexplicable defending of Gerrard's horrifc tackle on George Boateng, that included accusing a guy - who could have lost his leg in the incident - of over-reacting?

Houllier is an utter prat, and should be charged with 'bringing the game into disrepute' for not condemning a very dangerous tackle - albeit one that I don't think was premeditated.

Incidentally, I presume Houllier also missed the earlier incident when the very same Boateng leapt to his feet, after another very bad tackle by McAllister, to avoid the Red perpetrator from being booked, or possibly sent off! Tosser!

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2001

Yeah Houllier made himself look a right tit.....I can't help but think that the tackle WAS pre-meditated as Gerard was first to the ball and decided to kick over the top of it.....can't see any other reason for that than him wanting to follow through...

Boateng was very very lucky to get up from that....

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2001

No sympathy with Boateng as it was he who took out Stephen Glass with the same tackle a couple of years ago.

As for Holier and Phil Thompson well that was indefensible. Phil Thompson looked like he was going to hit John Deehan for being so incensed at the tackle. The thing you alwyas have to bear in mind is that these are the top players intheir profession and are held up as players who are in control. Gerrard knew exactly what he was doing. Which is worrying if he has to come up against a fast Argentinian side at some point in the next World Cup finals

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2001

Phil Thompson was a disgrace. I know Gregory isn't popular on here but he always is honest about his players. Last year when Hendrie got sent off, Gregory said he was a prat & would be fined by the club, couldn't imagine Houlier or Taggart being so honest about Keane or Gerrard.

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2001

ITV also blotted their copybook by showing Manure as their main game. The BBC were MUTV in disguise, for contractual & fixture reasons ITV have been quite good until yesterday.

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2001

ITV are trying to haul their flagship through the sticky swamp by being towed by the irrepressible HMS Glory Glory Manunited. They have blamed their poor viewing figures on Manu's Sunday fixtures so this was easy to predict.

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

I think the whole ITV show is poor. What the hell is that portakabin business? And showing it during peak viewing times is just asking for trouble. Money can't buy everything...

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

I'm quite happy with it so far, I never used to get to see MOTD being an early starter and late finisher.

Also it has one BIG plus over MOTD......No "paedo tache" Lawrenson!

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

I like the time slot, but would have liked to have seen them steer away from showing a main match for 20 mins, a couple of other 10 minute games and 30 seconds of the rest, showing just the goals. I'd liked to see neach match given 7 - 8 minutes , with less analysis.

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

I'm not certain but I don't think they can do that....unless SKY agree to it....

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

Don't think it's that bad - MOTD had become a very tired format, and was badly in need of a serious makeover. For that reason I think ITV should have looked beyond Des Lynam and Telly Vegetables for someone younger and more dynamic who would brought a freshness to the format.

Someone like Bobby Robson, for instance! ;o{)

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

Ally McCoist didn't seem to have much to say. Is he a regular ? If he is, I can't see him lasting long.

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2001

At least he didn't beat around the bush with that Gerard tackle, he called it as a bad one straight away.....he also voted one of Shearer's goals as goal of the week :))

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2001

That would be his penalty then? ;-)

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2001

Err no.....why would it be that one?

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2001

McCoist ius always going to be impressed with a goal that is from more than 2 yards out

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2001