Archie Macpherson axed from Champions League coverage

[jamd1986 8]

Exclusive: Veteran pundit Archie Macpherson axed from Champions League coverage

Sep 16 2008 By Tom Hamilton

STV have axed their Champions League commentary team - including telly legend Archie Macpherson.

In a new deal, STV have contracted out coverage of this season's Champions League matches to Setanta Sport.

Although live games will still be shown free on STV, Setanta's Ian Crocker will describe the action from Celtic's six games instead of Archie, 71.

But last night Archie, who gained cult status with his "Woof!" catchphrase, insisted he isn't ready to hang up his microphone - even though there's no work for him at STV.

He said: "It's not true to say I'm finished with commentating. Of course I'll continue to do it.

"In fact, I've got something coming up next week in connection with Celtic and am looking forward to that."

Setanta - who cover the SPL on their own pay-to-view channel - will also provide the co-commentator, ex-Scotland star Craig Burley, presenter RobMaclean and analysts like former Celtic striker John Hartson.

Three of the Hoops' matches in the Champions League will be live on STV.

Another Setanta man, former STV sports host Jim Delahunt, will present the highlights programmes from the other three, with Hartson.

The first, at home to Aalborg tomorrow, won't be shown live on STV, but will be beamed on Sky Sports.

STV last night insisted the tie-in with Setanta was "fantastic news".

Managing director Bobby Hain said: "We're delighted to be working with Setanta to bring Champions League football to free-to-air TV.

"We have an excellent relationship with Setanta, with whom we share a building and studio facilities."

Colin Davidson, a former STV worker, is now Setanta's UK chief.

He said: "The Champions League is the tournament every footballer wants to play in and every broadcaster wants to be associated with. "

Archie Macpherson's work was recognised at the 2005 Scottish BAFTAs when he picked up a Special Contribution gong.

Recently, he penned two books - a biography of Jock Stein and Flower Of Scotland, about his times following Scottish football.

http://www.<No links to this website>/entertainment...86908-20738793/

Thank fuck! Its finally happened.

I've seen seen/heard someone so inept at his job.

[ekbear93 3]

Thank Fuck!

[chris_glasgow 2]

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

[Boab 73]

I like Archie, sad news.

[jamd1986 8]

I like Archie, sad news.

At least someone does.

I think hes an awful commentator.

Doesn't know much about the players, or can't even pronounce some of their names properly.

Doesn't share any particularly interesting facts about the game.

Most of time he cannot make the game sound exciting or enthralling.

He can't even accurately describe what is happening on the pitch; "Is that a free-kick? Has he given it?........yes, I think he has".

These are the fundamental requirements of his job and he fails on every aspect.

Inept to say the least.

[royalbluebell 38]

He does make some howlers...but I have a soft spot for Archie.

[ASCIIDK 5]

Absolute dire. Good luck to him in the future though.

[ekbear93 3]

I like Archie, sad news.

At least someone does.

I think hes an awful commentator.

Doesn't know much about the players, or can't even pronounce some of their names properly.

Doesn't share any particularly interesting facts about the game.

Most of time he cannot make the game sound exciting or enthralling.

He can't even accurately describe what is happening on the pitch; "Is that a free-kick? Has he given it?........yes, I think he has".

These are the fundamental requirements of his job and he fails on every aspect.

Inept to say the least.

Marcus DaBeasley

[ASCIIDK 5]

Darkyvilllleeeeeeee

[ShanksRFC 3,870]

Best news ive heard all day.

[disgruntled_bear 157]

I thought STV couldn't get any worse but.....

[CooperSF 5,792]

Darkyvilllleeeeeeee

Racism

Get him reported to the Irish Government

[ASCIIDK 5]

Darkyvilllleeeeeeee

Racism

Get him reported to the Irish Government

:craba2:

[broxibear87 129]

Capac !! (Uefa cup final commentry ) sure it was Archie not 100% though.

[Fixxxer 4]

Poor Archie, 10 years too late!

[bringonthbarca 25]

Is it just me or are setana trying to take over the world or something? They're going to end up showing every single games!

[Guest Andypendek]

Brilliant writer, crap commentator.

[Scott-RFC 308]

Darkyvilllleeeeeeee

Classic Archie

[Scott-RFC 308]

Darkyvilllleeeeeeee

Still Classic Archie

Double post

[flyingkipper 4]

I like the way he sometimes just rambles on, reminiscing about working for Eurosport and watching some game in a far flung corner of Eastern Europe. "Oh yes I remember seeing him play left back for Levski Sofia several years ago in Minsk".

[Del 667]

Thank fuck!

The line that got me in stiches everytime was...

"its in theeeeeeere"

No matter if its a long ball into the box, a corner, a cross into the box anything he was its in theeeeeeere and its a goal!

He used to call every Rangers midfeilder Barry!

Thomson...to BArry Davis back to papac forward to marcus dabeasley, inside to barry thomson out wide again to davis, davis puts it in a cross...its in theeeeeeeere wooooooooooooof just over the bar from Barry Boyd!

[Bruce 1]

One of my favourite commentators is Gerry Armstrong.

[Thermopylae 15,287]

Just won't be the same without oor Arch

[Tumshie 205]

Archie was a nightmare. just about every Gers fan I know watched our run to the final on ITV4 if they could because of the shite him and Walker, McNee etc used to talk

[flyingkipper 4]

Thank fuck!

The line that got me in stiches everytime was...

"its in theeeeeeere"

No matter if its a long ball into the box, a corner, a cross into the box anything he was its in theeeeeeere and its a goal!

He used to call every Rangers midfeilder Barry!

Thomson...to BArry Davis back to papac forward to marcus dabeasley, inside to barry thomson out wide again to davis, davis puts it in a cross...its in theeeeeeeere wooooooooooooof just over the bar from Barry Boyd!

The first Only An Excuse on TV got him spot on

"Now Hateley, back to Huistra, Mihaaaaailitchenko, it's pushed in, knocked back, there's a neat touch aaaaaaaaand now Bonner has it, gives it back to Ally Maxwell on the very stroke of half time, with I make it 5 minutes remaining."