First game back and folk on twitter are continuing from where they left of last season, he really is getting some stick.
Surely he has to show improvement this season, doesn't he?
I think he's just not cut out to be a decent co-commentator, he's had a full season and doesn't seem to have improved much if at all.
I do find it strange BT gave such a high profile position as lead co-commentator for their most valuable rights, to Owen when he was completely unproven (and indeed, a quick search on YouTube would have shown up his "helicopter tour of Dubai" video which is more than enough to send anyone to sleep).
I think now he either has a multi-year contract, or BT are trying to save face by not binning him after one season.
On an unrelated note, did anyone see the bit during the Arsenal game where they handed back to the studio for some analysis on the match so far from Martin Keown? They were showing him in the studio, in that little picture in picture thing they do (seemingly called "BT Box" this season). Could be a decent feature as long as they don't overdo it. They only did it once in that match, so as long as they aren't throwing things back to the studio every 5 minutes it might be a worthwhile addition if they have a decent pundit on their coverage.
I think he's just not cut out to be a decent co-commentator, he's had a full season and doesn't seem to have improved much if at all.
I do find it strange BT gave such a high profile position as lead co-commentator for their most valuable rights, to Owen when he was completely unproven (and indeed, a quick search on YouTube would have shown up his "helicopter tour of Dubai" video which is more than enough to send anyone to sleep).
I think now he either has a multi-year contract, or BT are trying to save face by not binning him after one season.
On an unrelated note, did anyone see the bit during the Arsenal game where they handed back to the studio for some analysis on the match so far from Martin Keown? They were showing him in the studio, in that little picture in picture thing they do (seemingly called "BT Box" this season). Could be a decent feature as long as they don't overdo it. They only did it once in that match, so as long as they aren't throwing things back to the studio every 5 minutes it might be a worthwhile addition if they have a decent pundit on their coverage.
Like I said on the commentators thread, if they are rotating Darke and Fletcher every week why did they not do that with Owen? it would of made good sense for someone as new as him to the role.
Mind you if we are left again with Owen and Gary Macallister for the main roles again this season for co-commentary then, like last season, its not the most impressive line up although from what I have heard Macallister is far better on the Scottish game.
I think now he either has a multi-year contract, or BT are trying to save face by not binning him after one season.
I think its about ego with BT.
They don't want to be seen as making sweeping changes because its a sign of weakness of a sign of 'we got it wrong'
Its why they STILl have that bloody solid black logo on the screen too.
Id fully expect them to keep Owen in place and he'll be there for the opening game of the season (Man Utd v Swansea) and id also expect him at the Community Shield too, as co-com.
Does anyone know....can you connect to the bt sports app via a different wi-fi?
What I mean is...rather than watching it through Sky at home, if I'm out and about - can I watch the app if I connect via public wi-fi / a friends wi-fi?
Does anyone know....can you connect to the bt sports app via a different wi-fi?
What I mean is...rather than watching it through Sky at home, if I'm out and about - can I watch the app if I connect via public wi-fi / a friends wi-fi?
Thanks!
Yes. It works through login details which you get when you sign up (unless you're on Virgin, then you have to use Virgin's app). It can use any internet connection.
Yes. It works through login details which you get when you sign up (unless you're on Virgin, then you have to use Virgin's app). It can use any internet connection.
Brilliant thanks! My son wanted to watch the footy - he is not with BT, but if I passed him my login details then he can watch it instead of me!
As noted in the Sky Sports 5 Thread I believe that Portuguese football has been confirmed for BT this season. It was mentioned in the commentary between Arsenal and Benfica
I've also read that Portuguese football is confirmed, giving BT Sport The French, German, Italian and Portuguese leagues. Makes a mockery of SS5's claim of being the 'Home of European football'. As of 2015/16, Sky Sports 5 won't even have Champs League....
I've also read that Portuguese football is confirmed, giving BT Sport The French, German, Italian and Portuguese leagues. Makes a mockery of SS5's claim of being the 'Home of European football'. As of 2015/16, Sky Sports 5 won't even have Champs League....
But as of now it does have Champions League, La Liga, Eredvisie and UEFA European Qualifiers - and the description is actually "Your new home of European football" which is really a reference to within the Sky Sports family of channels and the fact that it is a new channel for those rights.
So I don't see the problem - for now. Remains to be seen how it is promoted next year.
Again decent friendly figures given the time slot they were in. Also, consider that at this point in pre-season, many key players for the big clubs had not returned from their holiday breaks. Figures of 23, 21 and 17 are rather good at the times they kicked off in the early morning between the hours of 3.00 and 8.00, when most people are either working or traditionally watching the news.
Likewise, not many people are either up or in the mood to watch television late on at night going into the very early hours of the next morning, post midnight. 52k is a sound average at the time of 00.30, for the Liverpool friendly with Roma, as it went head to head with Tottenham's friendly with Seattle Sounders on BTS2.
In context, Sky had 167k for Liverpool's International Champions Cup match with Olympiakos. Considering it's that bit more respected than just a pre-season match and the fact that the time slot was just after 22.00, it shows figures were never going to be enormous for BT with their friendly matches.
I do like the latest tweet about BT sacking Owen for losing them 3m subscribers in the last 18 months!!!!!
If only....
(And yes i know they've not got 3m subscribers and only been on air a year, before anyone starts....)
On a serious note however, just how long are BT prepared to give Owen?
They have to be well aware the amount of stick he does get and I don't belive for one minute they turn a blind eye to everything.
Personally I think this season will be the telling one for him but then its down to BT, stick with him or bring in someone fresh knowing the champion's League is round the corner and the potential for more Prem games in 3 years time.
I also think Gary Macallister is well short when it comes to English fixtures, however he
seems to cover the Scottish game really well.
Will say it again very foolish of BT to throw Michael Owen in at the deep end last season, should of had him doing every other week to at least gain him time, confidence and experience.
On a serious note however, just how long are BT prepared to give Owen?
They have to be well aware the amount of stick he does get and I don't belive for one minute they turn a blind eye to everything.
Personally I think this season will be the telling one for him but then its down to BT, stick with him or bring in someone fresh knowing the champion's League is round the corner and the potential for more Prem games in 3 years time.
I also think Gary Macallister is well short when it comes to English fixtures, however he
seems to cover the Scottish game really well.
Will say it again very foolish of BT to throw Michael Owen in at the deep end last season, should of had him doing every other week to at least gain him time, confidence and experience.
Well, i'll put this to you...
ITV have stuck with Andy Townsend for years and if you look at the amount of stick and comments he gets, yet ITV have just ignored it... I get the impression BT are giving the same attitude towards Owen... Ignore it and its like it never happened.
Both are appalling at their 'job' yet both are in a very high position in the pecking orders.
So i think we'll be suck with Owen for a long time to come because its as i said in a few posts back.
Its about ego and pride with BT.
They cannot admit they were wrong and dump him. To them, thats admitting they're weak or unable to make the right choice, especially after giving an entire season.
I live in hope they get rid, atleast off comms, maybe swap him with Steve Mcmanaman, someone who is good at it and has the experience from his time working for ESPN (US) and Premier League TV to name but a few of the co-comm jobs he's had...
But its very unlikely....
ITV have stuck with Andy Townsend for years and if you look at the amount of stick and comments he gets, yet ITV have just ignored it... I get the impression BT are giving the same attitude towards Owen... Ignore it and its like it never happened.
Both are appalling at their 'job' yet both are in a very high position in the pecking orders.
So i think we'll be suck with Owen for a long time to come because its as i said in a few posts back.
Its about ego and pride with BT.
They cannot admit they were wrong and dump him. To them, thats admitting they're weak or unable to make the right choice, especially after giving an entire season.
I live in hope they get rid, atleast off comms, maybe swap him with Steve Mcmanaman, someone who is good at it and has the experience from his time working for ESPN (US) and Premier League TV to name but a few of the co-comm jobs he's had...
But its very unlikely....
ITV's back up co-commentator is Clarke Carlisle also. Now, I don't think he's too bad but he gets almost as much stick as compatriot Townsend. Then the BBC. They gave the World Cup final to the droning Mark Lawrenson and have been using him for years. They also gave Phil Neville their only England match (although his role was reduced significantly afterwards). Personally, I also wasn't keen on ESPN's Craig Burley.
I think the only 2 good stable co-commentators at the moment are Sky's Gary Neville and the BeIn's disgraced Andy Gray. Although, Danny Murphy has the potential to be up there with his freshness on the BBC evident in the World Cup matches he covered.
A few heads up on the weeks ahead:
Next Sunday is filled with content to combat that of Sky's. Sky have the best of the opening weekend of Football League matches, Eredivise (in its debut season) and Rangers' opener with Hearts. They go battle with Liv-Dort in a high profile 'friendly' at Anfield which is followed by the Community Shield which is later followed by the return of the European Football Show (BT's best show). This is met with the return of Ligue 1 with Monaco serving the live match.
"The Football's On" returns for an episode next Friday at 22.00pm. I thought it was quite an amusing show even if it had its flaws so could this be a permanent fixture for Ian Stone and Doc Brown?
Darren Fletcher and Robbie Savage's new show "Fletch and Sav" begins half an hour later than BTSP at 10.00am - the same time as when Soccer AM begins.
European rugby follows the PL football in another mutualistic Saturday relationship. http://www.locatetv.com/uk/listings/bt-sport-1#16-Aug-2014
Not sure if it has been mentioned anywhere but BT Sport will show Aberdeen's home clash against Real Sociedad in the 3rd qualifying round of the Europa League on Thursday evening.
I know I have vented my spleen about BT in the past on this forum but their decision not to televise the Copa LIbertadores final live just typifies what is wrong with their football coverage.
Instead we get approx. 70 minutes of highlights nearly 24 hours later...typical of BT.
Previous rights holders have simply done a better job of covering this competition and I sorely lament the day they came in and took the rights of Premier Sports who treated the competition with respect. >:(
Comments
Meat and Drink apparently is what a good ball is like to a striker.....
First game back and folk on twitter are continuing from where they left of last season, he really is getting some stick.
Surely he has to show improvement this season, doesn't he?
I do find it strange BT gave such a high profile position as lead co-commentator for their most valuable rights, to Owen when he was completely unproven (and indeed, a quick search on YouTube would have shown up his "helicopter tour of Dubai" video which is more than enough to send anyone to sleep).
I think now he either has a multi-year contract, or BT are trying to save face by not binning him after one season.
On an unrelated note, did anyone see the bit during the Arsenal game where they handed back to the studio for some analysis on the match so far from Martin Keown? They were showing him in the studio, in that little picture in picture thing they do (seemingly called "BT Box" this season). Could be a decent feature as long as they don't overdo it. They only did it once in that match, so as long as they aren't throwing things back to the studio every 5 minutes it might be a worthwhile addition if they have a decent pundit on their coverage.
Like I said on the commentators thread, if they are rotating Darke and Fletcher every week why did they not do that with Owen? it would of made good sense for someone as new as him to the role.
Mind you if we are left again with Owen and Gary Macallister for the main roles again this season for co-commentary then, like last season, its not the most impressive line up although from what I have heard Macallister is far better on the Scottish game.
I think its about ego with BT.
They don't want to be seen as making sweeping changes because its a sign of weakness of a sign of 'we got it wrong'
Its why they STILl have that bloody solid black logo on the screen too.
Id fully expect them to keep Owen in place and he'll be there for the opening game of the season (Man Utd v Swansea) and id also expect him at the Community Shield too, as co-com.
Do you get the HD swap on Sky?
(Sky1 HD on 106 ect)
yes i do
I'm considering moving to BT.
Does anyone know....can you connect to the bt sports app via a different wi-fi?
What I mean is...rather than watching it through Sky at home, if I'm out and about - can I watch the app if I connect via public wi-fi / a friends wi-fi?
Thanks!
Brilliant thanks! My son wanted to watch the footy - he is not with BT, but if I passed him my login details then he can watch it instead of me!
But as of now it does have Champions League, La Liga, Eredvisie and UEFA European Qualifiers - and the description is actually "Your new home of European football" which is really a reference to within the Sky Sports family of channels and the fact that it is a new channel for those rights.
So I don't see the problem - for now. Remains to be seen how it is promoted next year.
w/e 27 Jul 2014
7 day data (000s)
1 PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY (WED 2427) 52
2 UFC (SAT 2300) 46
3 UFC (SAT 2503) 38
4 PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY (SAT 0800) 23
5 PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY (FRI 2701) 21
6 PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY (SAT 0600) 21
7 CLASSIC BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE (MON 2259) 20
8 PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY (TUE 0830) 19
9 PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY (THU 1802) 18
10 PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY (FRI 2807) 17
BT Sport 2
w/e 27 Jul 2014
7 day data (000s)
1 PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY (WED 2400) 22
2 CPL T20 HIGHLIGHTS (MON 1931) 20
3 UFC (MON 2331) 14
4 MLB (SUN 1800) 13
5 ESPN FILMS (MON 2059) 12
6 BRITISH GT CHAMPIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS (MON 2031) 12
7 CPL T20 (SAT 1650) 10
8 BOXING TONIGHT (FRI 2501) 9
9 CPL T20 HIGHLIGHTS (MON 1831) 8
10 30 FOR 30 (SUN 2133) 8
ESPN
w/e 27 Jul 2014
7 day data (000s)
1 CPL T20 (WED 2050) 16
2 MLB (TUE 1931) 9
3 AFL (SUN 0730) 7
4 VERIZON INDYCAR SERIES (TUE 1029) 6
5 MLB (SAT 2128) 5
6 BASEBALL TONIGHT (TUE 2233) 5
7 AFL (SAT 0730) 4
8 MLB (THU 2030) 3
9 VERIZON INDYCAR SERIES (MON 1431) 3
10 MLB (WED 2526) 2
Again decent friendly figures given the time slot they were in. Also, consider that at this point in pre-season, many key players for the big clubs had not returned from their holiday breaks. Figures of 23, 21 and 17 are rather good at the times they kicked off in the early morning between the hours of 3.00 and 8.00, when most people are either working or traditionally watching the news.
Likewise, not many people are either up or in the mood to watch television late on at night going into the very early hours of the next morning, post midnight. 52k is a sound average at the time of 00.30, for the Liverpool friendly with Roma, as it went head to head with Tottenham's friendly with Seattle Sounders on BTS2.
In context, Sky had 167k for Liverpool's International Champions Cup match with Olympiakos. Considering it's that bit more respected than just a pre-season match and the fact that the time slot was just after 22.00, it shows figures were never going to be enormous for BT with their friendly matches.
ESPN figures are expectedly low once again.
Spoof account.
Let the excitement get to me.
I do like the latest tweet about BT sacking Owen for losing them 3m subscribers in the last 18 months!!!!!
If only....
(And yes i know they've not got 3m subscribers and only been on air a year, before anyone starts....)
On a serious note however, just how long are BT prepared to give Owen?
They have to be well aware the amount of stick he does get and I don't belive for one minute they turn a blind eye to everything.
Personally I think this season will be the telling one for him but then its down to BT, stick with him or bring in someone fresh knowing the champion's League is round the corner and the potential for more Prem games in 3 years time.
I also think Gary Macallister is well short when it comes to English fixtures, however he
seems to cover the Scottish game really well.
Will say it again very foolish of BT to throw Michael Owen in at the deep end last season, should of had him doing every other week to at least gain him time, confidence and experience.
Well, i'll put this to you...
ITV have stuck with Andy Townsend for years and if you look at the amount of stick and comments he gets, yet ITV have just ignored it... I get the impression BT are giving the same attitude towards Owen... Ignore it and its like it never happened.
Both are appalling at their 'job' yet both are in a very high position in the pecking orders.
So i think we'll be suck with Owen for a long time to come because its as i said in a few posts back.
Its about ego and pride with BT.
They cannot admit they were wrong and dump him. To them, thats admitting they're weak or unable to make the right choice, especially after giving an entire season.
I live in hope they get rid, atleast off comms, maybe swap him with Steve Mcmanaman, someone who is good at it and has the experience from his time working for ESPN (US) and Premier League TV to name but a few of the co-comm jobs he's had...
But its very unlikely....
ITV's back up co-commentator is Clarke Carlisle also. Now, I don't think he's too bad but he gets almost as much stick as compatriot Townsend. Then the BBC. They gave the World Cup final to the droning Mark Lawrenson and have been using him for years. They also gave Phil Neville their only England match (although his role was reduced significantly afterwards). Personally, I also wasn't keen on ESPN's Craig Burley.
I think the only 2 good stable co-commentators at the moment are Sky's Gary Neville and the BeIn's disgraced Andy Gray. Although, Danny Murphy has the potential to be up there with his freshness on the BBC evident in the World Cup matches he covered.
Next Sunday is filled with content to combat that of Sky's. Sky have the best of the opening weekend of Football League matches, Eredivise (in its debut season) and Rangers' opener with Hearts. They go battle with Liv-Dort in a high profile 'friendly' at Anfield which is followed by the Community Shield which is later followed by the return of the European Football Show (BT's best show). This is met with the return of Ligue 1 with Monaco serving the live match.
"The Football's On" returns for an episode next Friday at 22.00pm. I thought it was quite an amusing show even if it had its flaws so could this be a permanent fixture for Ian Stone and Doc Brown?
Darren Fletcher and Robbie Savage's new show "Fletch and Sav" begins half an hour later than BTSP at 10.00am - the same time as when Soccer AM begins.
European rugby follows the PL football in another mutualistic Saturday relationship.
http://www.locatetv.com/uk/listings/bt-sport-1#16-Aug-2014
Instead we get approx. 70 minutes of highlights nearly 24 hours later...typical of BT.
Previous rights holders have simply done a better job of covering this competition and I sorely lament the day they came in and took the rights of Premier Sports who treated the competition with respect. >:(