Coisty joins ESPN for the World Cup.....

[Zappa 0]

Not sure what to think of this, but Coisty will be spending a chunk of the summer as an ESPN pundit for the World Cup...

 

http://www.paddocktalk.com/news/html/story-136716.html

 

Former Scottish National Team and Rangers FC Legend Ally McCoist Joins ESPN for the 2010 FIFA World Cup

 

Legendary Scottish Premier League striker Ally McCoist will join ESPN as a match analyst for the 2010 FIFA World Cup (June 11 ââ?¬â?? July 11). McCoist, who played for the Scottish national team in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, will join any one of the seasoned match commentators on ESPNââ?¬â?¢s roster, such as Martin Tyler, Ian Darke, Derek Rae and Adrian Healey, to call matches on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC from South Africa.

 

With the addition of McCoist (1990), ESPNâ��s English-language coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in the U.S. will feature analysts with combined experience of 12 FIFA World Cup tournaments. Others: Shawn Bartlett (South Africa: 1998), Efan Ekoku (Nigeria: 1994), Ruud Gullit (Netherlands: 1990), John Harkes (USA: 1990, â��94), J�¼rgen Klinsmann (Germany: 1990, â��94, â��98), Alexi Lalas (USA: 1994, â��98) and Steve McManaman (England: 1998).

 

"Ally McCoist�s vast knowledge of international football as a player, television pundit, and as an assistant manager for one of the world�s historic football clubs, will enhance our presentation of this event to fans in the United States," said Jed Drake, ESPN executive producer, 2010 FIFA World Cup. "Aside from his football insight, Ally has a wonderfully engaging personality. You could chat with him all day about football or anything else."

 

McCoist is regarded as one of the best strikers to ever play in the Scottish Premier League, having scored a club record 355 goals in all competitions for Rangers FC. He currently serves as the assistant manager at his former club after returning to the sidelines in January 2007 to assist Rangers� manager Walter Smith in running the club�s soccer affairs. Together, McCoist and Smith have led Rangers to two Scottish Premier League titles in their three full seasons at the helm.

 

McCoist began his professional soccer career in 1979 at St. Johnstone in Perth Scotland. In 1981, he joined Sunderland A.F.C., where he appeared in 56 matches over two seasons. McCoist joined Rangers in 1983 and spent 15 years with the club. His career earned him induction into both the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame and the Scotland Football Hall of Fame.

 

Following his successful playing career, McCoist became a widely respected television commentator, offering his insight on ITVââ?¬â?¢s football coverage in the United Kingdom. He was also a team captain on BBCââ?¬â?¢s popular, unscripted show, A Question of Sport, from 1996 ââ?¬â?? 2007.

[calscot 0]

Can't see any problem with this. It's better than twiddling his thumbs all summer and he could spot a couple of bargains playing for African or Eastern European teams.

[Danny 0]

Can't see any problem with this. It's better than twiddling his thumbs all summer and he could spot a couple of bargains playing for African or Eastern European teams.

 

tbh the world cup is really just the most glorified footballing shop window in the world. We might all watch it thinking it's about who wins the greatest prize on earth, but it's really about players putting themselves in the limelight and winning a big money move after it's over. And managers too.

 

So I doubt very much there will be any bargains to be had - any player who does well will instantly skyrocket in value. North Korea or Brazil regardless.

[craig 5,199]

tbh the world cup is really just the most glorified footballing shop window in the world. We might all watch it thinking it's about who wins the greatest prize on earth, but it's really about players putting themselves in the limelight and winning a big money move after it's over. And managers too.

 

So I doubt very much there will be any bargains to be had - any player who does well will instantly skyrocket in value. North Korea or Brazil regardless.

 

Agreed. The chances of McCoist seeing any "bargains", regardless of nationality, over anyone else is very, very limited.

 

Any manager or scout worth their salt will be watching the World Cup either in person or on TV - in fact, if AM is a studio pundit then he may have less of a chance to take in player performances as he will be relied on to comment on the full game, not just individuals - whilst other managers, coaches, scouts will be able to simply watch players and learn.

 

I doubt we will get any bargains out of the WC - never say never though.

[Guest Flying Hippo]

We might get a World Cup bargain like Karl Svensson in 2006

[Danny 0]

We might get a World Cup bargain like Karl Svensson in 2006

 

Unfairly maligned player I felt. If he'd had Weir alongside him he'd have settled way better than he did. Also didn't seem to do as bad as most made out.

[Guest Flying Hippo]

I actually liked Svensson. He cared. Could see how annoyed he was every time he made a mistake. Had a great game in the 1-1 Old Firm game where Hemdani scored. I think Walter should've played him alongside Weir for the final 5 months of the 06/07 season instead of signing Ehiogu, despite the latter player's winner at Celtic Park