Football Pundits on TV

A soccer pundit is an expert that comments publicly about football. Television football pundits attempt to enhance the TV audiences experience when they tune in to watch a soccer match. In some cases the soccer pundits have become as big an attraction as the match itself. Certainly a lot of Irish soccer fans tune into RTE to hear John Giles and Eamon Dunphy’s prognostications, diagnoses, and post mortems on matches – especially those involving the Irish national team.

RTE Soccer Pundits

John Giles – RTE Soccer TV Pundit

Johnny Giles is a former Irish international footballer and was an important midfield cog in the mighty Leeds United team managed by Don Revie. Giles also went on to become player / manager of the Republic of Ireland senior soccer team. He has been a TV soccer pundit on RTE television since the mid-1980’s and is the calm and more reasoned half of the Giles / Dunphy pundit duo.

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Eamon Dunphy – RTE Football TV Pundit

Eamon Dunphy earned 23 caps for the Ireland. A self-professed journeyman he spent most of his soccer career playing in the lower English divisions for Millwall FC. While still playing he began his writing career and he now works as a journalist, author and broadcaster. He has built his TV soccer pundit persona on RTE television via a string of public and controversial outbursts. Also see Eamon Dunphy quotes

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Liam Brady – RTE Soccer TV Pundit Liam Brady was an exceptionally skilful footballer that played for Ireland, Arsenal, Juventus, and Inter Milan amongst others. The Dubliner with a cultured left foot played won 79 Irish caps scoring nine goals for his country including the winner in 1-0 victory over multiple World champions Brazil. Brady is an intelligent soccer pundit who is not known for pulling his punches. Watchabilty Rating: Ray Houghton – RTE Football TV Pundit Ray Houghton has a special place in the hearts of Irish soccer fans. His busy, all-action style of play endeared him to the fans but his winning goals against England (Euro 1988 finals) and against Italy (1994 World Cup Finals) have guaranteed him legendary status. Houghton acts as TV soccer pundit and co-commentator for the Irish national broadcaster, RTE. Watchabilty Rating: Graeme Souness – RTE Soccer TV Pundit Former Liverpool FC midfield general Graeme Souness is an occasional TV analyst with RTE on the Saturday Premier League highlights show and also on some Champions League nights. While he also acts as a soccer pundit for Sky television apparently he prefers that more forthright and less glossy approach by the Irish TV station. He frequently appears with John Giles and Eamon Dunphy. Watchabilty Rating:

Kenny Cunningham – RTE Football TV Pundit

Kenny Cunningham was a very accomplished centre half that spent most of his football career at Wimbledon FC. He also won 70 caps playing for the Irish senior national team and played for Ireland in the 2002 World Cup Finals. He mainly offers analysis on RTE’s Premiership highlights show on Saturday evenings. He has also covered Irish international matches on Sky television.

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Ronnie Whelan – RTE Soccer TV Pundit

Ronnie Whelan was a skilful midfield footballer that played in the hugely successful Liverpool team during the 1980’s and into the mid-1990’s. He also played for the Republic of Ireland 53 times and he is best remembered for a spectacular goal against the former USSR during the Euro 1988 finals. Whelan is an occasional pundit with RTE sometimes covering Irish international matches.

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Trevor Steven – RTE Football TV Pundit

Trevor Steven is a former English international footballer and he won 36 caps. He spent most of his club career wearing the blue of Everton and Rangers in Scotland. He has league winners medals from England, Scotland and France. Steven is a co-commentator for RTE as well as offering studio analysis on international football matches and the Saturday Premiership highlights program.

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