ESPN's Premier League Coverage in the US: Thanks to Darkey and Macca!

This won't be of any interest to most of you, but ESPN's presentation of the Premier League these past few years has been superb.
With Ian Darke commentating, and mostly Steve McManaman holding his coat, the matches have been presented in the sort of lively, expertly informative way that American coverage can't approach.

They work with a tacit nod of the head (a Tim Howard here, a Clint Dempsey there) to the American audience, provide great perspective and the sort of knowledge of the sport that can only be obtained by growing up with it. Macca's insight of the game and ability to convey what the layman will usually miss, is second to none.

ESPN's current contract has concluded with the end of the season and NBC (and some FOX) will carry the Prem next year. Fox's coverage is OK but doesn't match that of ESPN, and one hopes that NBC will keep the Darkey / Macca show intact.

Thanks to both of them.

Branching out Kwini

mysti,
Got to give credit where credit is due to my first love - especially as Ian Darke is from Pompey Land.
PUP

Nice..

Good to see there brought in some knowledgable lads..

Wondered where Ian Darke had got to - didn't he do Sky's coverage of football and boxing?

Duty,
He has a career in boxing and football, dating back to BBC Radio work in the dim and distant past (seventies I'd think). Good commentator, a fan's commentator rather than some of the blokes we hear on Fox who strive to be so politically correct.