I'm not sure what your point is. Do you mean that Ligget was forced into defending Armstrong despite all evidence to the contrary through contractual or "politicaly correct" obligations?
Phil Liggett and his mate
- Thread starter Noodley
- Start date
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gavroche
Getting old but not past it
- Location
- North Wales
not so much to defend but more not to offend. Sitting on the fence is an easy option.
This^^^^
...and he was (is) a crap commentator.
StuAff
Silencing his legs regularly
- Location
- Portsmouth
There are clear and unequivocal conflicts of interest in Liggett and Sherwen's links with Armstrong. They have both showed appalling judgement.
And, as Rich said, they're crap. Hugh Porter ain't perfect, but he's a lot better than the terrible twosome. Let alone Anthony McCrossan, to name but one. On one stage of the Tour last year, the first part of the ITV4 coverage had commentary by the studio bods. It was massively better. Then, unfortunately, the Phil and Paul show resumed.
And, as Rich said, they're crap. Hugh Porter ain't perfect, but he's a lot better than the terrible twosome. Let alone Anthony McCrossan, to name but one. On one stage of the Tour last year, the first part of the ITV4 coverage had commentary by the studio bods. It was massively better. Then, unfortunately, the Phil and Paul show resumed.
ceepeebee
Veteran
- Location
- Some imaginary Flanders
Isn't part of the problem is that liggett and sherwen are actually employed by the outdoor network, a long term supporter of stretch Armstrong? Thus their commentary is v v US biased and they were always pro-US riders especially stretch? From what I remember ITV just buy their commentary.
And yes, I'd pay a premium to get bolting, boardman, imlach and rendell tag-teaming the commentary duties, they're all great.
And yes, I'd pay a premium to get bolting, boardman, imlach and rendell tag-teaming the commentary duties, they're all great.
totallyfixed
Veteran
- Location
- The only county without a McDonalds
No, but many years ago he sat on my bloody wheel for about 20 miles into a stinking headwind and refused to take a turn, never liked him ever since.
kedab
Veteran
- Location
- nr cambridge
i too quite like parrish but cox...well that's just shot the fox who's having a nightmare in a bubble car
kedab
Veteran
- Location
- nr cambridge
i often think that i'd quite like to have a bash at the commentary though i fear that my tendency to use bad language at critical moments, may hinder my chances...my vocabulary isn't all that bad but years standing in the park lane at spurs does leave its mark 
This is more about Liggett having failed to toe RichP and Noodley's line on Armstrong than the quality of the commentary.
johnr
Über Member
- Location
- Grand depart 2014 county (east)
Anyone wanting to pass on their best wishes to the ITV4 team can probably do so here : viewerservices@itv.com. They may also be willing to dismiss other views at the same address. Perhaps we should share.
Another unnecessary and spiteful ad hominem.
You fail to notice that most of the posters on here dislike Ligget and Sherwen because they are poor commentators and have shown bias and ill judgement.
What line is it that Ligget didn't toe? Belief that Armstrong was a serial doper?
oldroadman
Veteran
- Location
- Ubique
A lot of the older generation of commentators started simply because they were the only people with enough knowledge to do the job when cycling made TV time in the past, and/or had contacts which helped them get the job. This genaration are now showing their afe a bit. For me David Harman is one of the best, I don't watch ITV4 coverage much so can't comment on L&S properly, though the little bits I have heard sound a bit dull, althogh PS does understand what is going on much like Sean Kelly on ES (but not quite so good). Not convinced by Mr McCrossan, find him a bit monotone, but Brian Smith is excellent at identifying riders, which is helpful to new viewers (and old ones as well!!).
It is a difficult job - imagine having a five hour stage where not much happens until the last hour or less - but even so a professional commentator is employed to keep the chat going and do their best with dull stimes. There are plenty of those in a long race. Constructive comment helps, just moaning about a few errors will achieve little, always thinking you don't know how good something was until it's not there!
It is a difficult job - imagine having a five hour stage where not much happens until the last hour or less - but even so a professional commentator is employed to keep the chat going and do their best with dull stimes. There are plenty of those in a long race. Constructive comment helps, just moaning about a few errors will achieve little, always thinking you don't know how good something was until it's not there!
Equally constructive.
