back in my day women knew their place

Congratulations to Jacqui Oatley for becoming the first female commentator in British televised football history today. And a mighty fine job she did of it too. A little nervous at times I felt but that was understandable.What wasn’t understandable is the national debate the whole event spawned. I was aghast at some of the comments respected pundits were making. People I used to respect were coming out with some prehistoric comments that did nothing to protect the image of the game. It simply made them look like a bunch of dinosaurs.

The Earth didn't shift on its axis last night. Match of the Day went on air at 10.30pm and Manchester United's draw with Middlesbrough led the programme. Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Lee Dixon presented and discussed the issues, closing titles were run before midnight and everyone went home. Somewhere in there, a woman commentated on a football match on BBC 1. In and around that, a few people lost their sense of perspective.
Niall Sloane - BBC Head of Football

Jimmy Greaves, Dave Bassett et al let themselves down a bagful with their paranoid rants. I can only imagine that they are scared that women will take over the world and imprison us non-females in underground caves. Although it has to be said that some of their comments belong more in caveman drawings than modern football.

"Commentary is different. You must have an understanding of the game and thetactics, and I think in order to do that you need to have played the game."

Dave Bassett

Arguments that only ex footballers understand the game enough to commentate on it effectively can be rejected on two counts. One – some of the best male commentators never played the game competitively. And two – Oatley is an ex footballer. She played the game until a knee injury forced her to retire and take up reporting.

It is an insult to the controlled commentaries of John Motson, Mike Ingham and Alan Green that their domain is threatened by a new arrival whose excited voice sounds like a fire siren.
Steve Curry - Sportsmail football writer

As for the idea that women don’t have the correct voice for football commentary- well I have two words for that – Jonathan and Greening. Here we have a highly respected commentator who is praised for his calling of soccer matches. The only problem I have with the man is that whenever the ball enters either penalty area only dogs can actually make out what he’s saying. Oh it’s great for conveying excitement but not so great for actually following a game. Please please please never let that man near radio commentary or we’ll all be in the dark.

I love football – I’m a great admirer of BBC commentary – I love Alan Green, Mike Ingham and I have been very impressed by Jacqui Oakley’s commentaries on Radio 5. She is knowledgeable, always prepares well and is great at conveying what is happening on the pitch. The only problem she faces is that she’s the first – and the first always has to clear the debris on their way through.