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Ron's big World Cup views on the not-so-big screen
Jun 13 2006
Former Aston Villa and West Brom manager Ron Atkinson enjoys his latest incarnation - as a football pundit on the internet.
Atkinson is recording his own post-match analysis of England's World Cup matches and posting it on the world wide web.
The former Manchester United manager, who has provided summaries at five World Cups and six European Championships for ITV, was forced to resign after making racist comments about Chelsea player Marcel Desailly in 2004.
Now he has started recording himself on the sofa at his Worcestershire home and uploading the videos onto the internet.
The video was uploaded onto internet video site www.selfcasttv.com within minutes of England's 1-0 victory on Saturday. But while millions of England fans watched the BBC coverage of our opening match, just 64 people have downloaded Ron's video-podcast which features his views on the game against Paraguay.
The website is designed for members of the public to post videos of themselves and one of the most popular videos on the site is that of an unknown fat man dancing in front of his car.
Atkinson said he would be recording his video blog after every England game this year from wherever he is at the time, giving his comments on events in Germany on and off the pitch. As well as providing his post-match analysis over the web, Ron is also providing audio commentary for satellite channel UK TV.
He said: "I recorded an introduction to the World Cup with a webcam that was supplied to me. I sat in my living room and recorded my views on the competition and who we should look out for. I personally believe that Italy, with their excellent attackers, are the team to watch."
Speaking yesterday, he added: "I enjoyed it very much. It was nice to be involved again."
Despite not being in Germany, Atkinson is content with his familiar surroundings. I am happy doing the job here. I have access to good matches in what will hopefully be a good competition."
Giving his views on Saturday's match, he added: "The game itself was disappointing but it was the result that was important."
Asked if he feared being too honest with his opinions, he said: "Not really. I have worked on six World Cups and I have always been honest with my views. If you say people are playing well when they are not, then your credibility goes."
