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SPORTING a tan Gary Lineker would be envious of, in walked a renowned TV commentator with a long-standing pedigree.

Barry Davies, the sporting voice of the BBC, paid a flying visit to the County Ground last night and offered some fascinating opinions.

He believes there is too much football on television and described the Heysel stadium disaster, where 39 football fans were killed in Brussels, as "the most difficult moment of my professional career."

Did you see Barry Davies at yesterday's festival If so what did you think? Have your say below

The 67-year-old, who has commentated since the 1960s and has covered 10 football World Cups for the BBC and ITV, said that Glenn Hoddle was the most talented player of his generation and said he has never had a row with John Motson over his dominant role.

"There's far too much football on TV and it's gone too far," he said.

"There's usually two matches on a night - it's overkill. Other sports have suffered and newspapers don't give as much coverage to them."

Davies said Australian cricket legend Richie Benaud was the commentator he most admired for his succinct style.

He added: "Commentary has to be spontaneous. It's about looking at what you might offer to widen the horizon of the TV screen. But one man's commentator is another man's irritation."

12:06pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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