Forget that Nicholas Cage nonsense, this is a real National Treasure (Match of the Day)

Member Name: JJJJ

Product:	Match of the Day
Date:	20/10/08 (97 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good Analysis

Disadvantages: N/A

Match of the day is a long running football show which is aired on the BBC. The first edition was shown in 1964, and in the early days some football clubs objected to its broadcast as they feared it would reduce attendances at matches.

Although many people think that the current theme-tune is the original, it has only been in place since 1974, when it replaced a piece of music entitled 'Drum Majorette', which was composed by Major Leslie Statham.

The saturday night version of the show comprises highlights of the days play in the Premiership, whilst Match of the Day live (which is increasingly rare these days) features live football action.

The current regular presenter is Gary Lineker, who I feel does a decent job of balancing occasional humour with the difficult job of orchestrating and questioning the pundits. In Lineker's absence, Ray Stubbs often fills-in, and is able to 'hold the fort' in a respectable manner.

There are generally two studio guests who analyse the days play, and these are 9/10 times Alan Hansen and Alan Shearer. Other regular guests include Lee Dixon, (the occasionally mustached) Mark Lawrenson and ex-Spurs and Newcastle striker Les Ferdinand.

The featured matches shown on Saturday nights will generally be favoured towards showing highlights of the big four, e.g Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea or Liverpool - with the smaller teams often relegated to a slot at the end of the show. However, the highlights are just about the right length, and the commentary is always of a high standard.

In summary, Match of the Day is a show I have always watched, and will probably continue to do so as long as it's broadcast. I don't watch it as regularly as I used to - but I can still see that it's a quality piece of programming.

Match of the Day was an important piece of my childhood, and I remember being around ten years old, when the show featured the likes of Jimmy Hill. Jimmy always made for entertaining viewing - he was coming to the end of his TV career, and would occasionally get a little bit confused in heat of the studio - poor chap! Since that time, Match of the Day has become more polished, and can rightly be classified as a British institution.

Summary: Long Running Footie Show