Mail Sport columnist Simon Jordan sparked a huge debate after claiming the BBC’s iconic Football Focus program was losing its way.
Jordan’s latest column in Mail Sport came after watching Saturday’s latest episode, which he described as “pedestrian, empty, boring and uninformative”.
He wrote that the program should be “about the games, the personalities and the stars rather than endlessly talking about social issues”, after suggesting that Football Focus had become the latest example of the BBC ticking boxes.
Jordan also admitted that he doesn’t find Alex Scott to be a “particularly inspirational, no-nonsense presenter.”
You can have your say and vote in Mail Sport’s latest poll which asks: “Have you fallen in love with Football Focus?”
Football Focus is a traditional TV show but Simon Jordan described Saturday’s episode as vulgar, empty, boring and uninformative.
Mail Sport columnist Simon Jordan believes the BBC’s Football Focus has lost its way.
Dear Simon,
Your article on the state of Football Focus has my full agreement.
I am an 83 year old Liverpool supporter and was a keen supporter of the program from the beginning. Me, my father and my brother would not have missed it if it were possible as it was always full of information about the game we played and loved. Unfortunately, I stopped watching the show a couple of years ago when the format changed to what you described so well in your article.
I find this all very sad, but it seems that the BBC is more interested in following current social trends than in offering the type of programs that interest the majority of viewers.
Sincerely,
Derek Duthie, Aberdeenshire
After reading your article this morning, I couldn’t agree more. I stopped watching it some time ago for this very reason. There is nothing against Alex Scott, nor women in football, however I don’t think Alex has the charisma to carry what should be a look at the day’s games with relevant material and updates. I don’t get involved in social media and only use television to inform myself. Sadly, this woke agenda is reflected across the BBC. Continue your informative knowledge. Kind regards,
bob blair
I’ve just sat down and read your article in today’s Daily Mail on Football Focus. I could not agree more with you. I’m a lifelong football fan (Tottenham, my team!) and I was looking forward to Saturday’s show, but the change in presenters and format and, as you say, the constant need to tick certain boxes, has abandoned the program. Boring and uninteresting and I don’t love it anymore.
I hope the BBC takes note but I doubt it. We need someone like you leading the program. I don’t always agree with your views, but that’s why I like you. You’re controversial and not afraid to speak your mind honestly and that’s what I enjoy listening to you and your colleagues at talkSPORT.
Football Focus has become dull and boring. It’s a shame, but after reading your article, at least I know it’s not just me who thinks that way. Great column Simon, keep posting those interesting and edgy opinions.
Thank you,
David Stanley
I totally agree with your article on Football Focus. Unfortunately, I fear it will not strike a chord with the producers of what is now, as you rightly state, a box-ticking exercise on diversity. I think Lawro saw the writing on the wall towards the end of his career as a pundit. Thank you for publishing what I believe are the thoughts and feelings of an ignored and silenced majority.
Best wishes,
Dean Ford (no longer watches FF)
I enjoy your weekly columns, Simon, but I wonder why this bothers you so much. His knowledge of football from an owner and chairman’s perspective is invaluable, but you don’t need to waste time criticizing a Saturday lunchtime TV show – just don’t watch it!
Greetings,
Sarah Smith, Nottingham
Well done, Simon. An excellent article on the sad decline of Football Focus. I miss Lawro et al. I don’t blame Alex Scott, who is a bright and cheerful character, but he clearly has a completely unnecessary agenda to follow. Frankly, it’s not interesting anymore. Thank goodness the lunch games start at 12:30 so he can turn me around.
Regards, Ian Berry (Coventry City fan)
At a time when almost all live televised football is broadcast on subscription channels, Football Focus is still worth watching, if only to offer a briefing on the weekend’s action to terrestrial viewers who don’t want to pay too much.
James Clark
It’s wonderful to read your column. I have watched this since its inception and agree that the content is not up to the standards it has had over the years. It won’t last much longer with the current panelists and content. It will become another Sports Issue.
No name provided
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair was among those invited to Football Focus in the past
I couldn’t agree more with your article. The show has been ruined. The “focus” should be on football. There are too many social problems infecting the show’s summary. We all get tired of society’s endless problems during the week. Football and sports should be the respite for them at the end of the week.
Jonathan Murphy, County Antrim
I’m embarrassed to see the BBC on a Friday night telling us what sports are on the channel at the weekend. Most of it is embarrassing. The BBC has lost almost all top-level sport. Rugby seems to be next. Totally agree also about the championship. Keep up the excellent writing. PS: As a Derby County fan for 60 years, I know what it’s like to go into decline.
Greetings,
Damian Walker
Excellent on Football Focus, Simon. I have felt this for years. I’m 61 years old and Focus was a big part of my youth. I haven’t seen him in many years. He is very awake.
The BBC is ruining all its great institutions through virtue signalling. Thank you for putting into words what most of us have in our brains.
steve beach