The Sport Thread

I couldn't see him going to ITV, Channel 5 at an absoloute fluke, if anything he'll probably commentate on Premier League matches that are shown abroad, which I'm sure Ron Atkinson still does. I think Andy Gray (along with Richard Keys) presented some World Cup 2010 for foreign broadcasters too, along with their Sky work, just like Gary Lineker presenting on Al-Jaazera Sport as well as the BBC.

Can't see Adrian Chiles wanting to work with Andy Gray...

Yes, a conspiracy theory that has been circulating today.

There might be something in it, however the original story was in the Mail and they wouldn't have wanted Karen Brady/West Ham involved for business reasons. I doubt there was any collusion but it was probably the excuse that Sky/News International had been after for a while.

Yes I think he's in big trouble, looks like there's enough footage to get Keys done as well, clearly its someone working on ob who is leaking all this.

Whether he stays or not, I can't see Key staying top man for long.

I can't imagine anyone's phone conversations I would be less interested in.

Had an interesting pub chat about this last night - and unsurprisingly, the consensus was that there was nothing particularly unusual or wrong about what was said. To be honest, its not a subject that I found worth getting on my hobby horse about, so I left the apologists for Mr Gray to say what they wanted to.

Although I did baulk at the suggestion that the linesperson involved "probably hated all the fuss as it will make her life more difficult".

Not sure she'd agree.

I am in two minds about richard keys yes he did say sorry to the ref who may I add is going to get wound up at ever match she goes to ref but andy was to proud of what he siad and he should stay but at the same time if they are mates as they say they are I think the best thing for richard to do is put his hands up and leave

I feel a little uneasy about the way the conversation was released.

It does seem as though people's private conversations are increasingly becoming public and the basis for recrimination. It's very similar to Vince Cable's recent 'scandal' (and to an extent 'bigotgate') - he was just expressing an opinion in private. I'm not sure whether it's just a product of the YouTube generation and the ease at which you can record and publish, or whether it's the continuous deperation of the press... but I find it quite scary

There is an ethical question to be asked about this; but at the same time, anyone mic'd up should by now realise that there's the potential for things to be recorded/leaked/used against them.

Now that isn't a problem in most people's working lives - and really only becomes an issue if you find yourself uttering particularly misogynistic or offensive comments about colleagues and/or other people you work and mix with. In the case of Mr Gray, it would appear there was significant rope for him to be hung by. Would the same thing be true about other presenters? Time will tell, I suppose.

Having operated sound on several live shows, I know only too well the types of gossip and off-the-cuff comments that talent make when they walk off stage. Its all deliciously fascinating - but I wouldn't record and distribute the audio, even if I really, really disliked the people involved. Other people wouldn't think twice about it.

So - as glib as it sounds - if you're not the type to objectify/insult women or make bigoted remarks, then you don't have to worry about having a microphone on. If you do - then you better be more careful.

Oh, do tell, Gavin. You've got us all thinking now.

Best story I can recall reading was back in the 80's when Cilla popped out for a widdle just prior to the live broadcast of Blind Date or Surprise Surprise, her radio mic was still on, and the entire studion audience heard the whole thing, including the flush! She didn't actually say anything about anyone though, IIRC.

Have always quite liked Andy Gray on Sky Sports. A kinda bigger scale Davie Provan, sans sheepskin and cans.

They all spoke very highly of you.

Talk Sport ... first time I;ve really listened ... Interview with Keys.

Interesting, really should have counted the sorrys and apologies, they gave him enough time to talk himself out of the mess or dig deeper, I fear for him he took, or was by the way of the interviewer directed along the latter course. He seemed to be taking the attack is the best form of defence approach which didn't work. His explanation of the lads culture at SS was painful to listen to.

Doesn't have a prolonged future, if any with SS now, in my view, it'd be interesting to know when his contract expires.

Andy Burton I suspect will be moving on too. It'd be interesting to see what conditions he was given by SS following his conviction in 2008 as to his future conduct, they might be an influence on the action that the company will now take.