McCLAREN "RESPECTED COACH" SHOCKER

08-05-2008

Reader Glyn Berrington launched his campaign to have former England boss Steve McClaren withdrawn from the BBC’s summarising squad for this year’s Euro Championship. In response the Beeb have come up with an astonishing claim – they reckon Macca is “respected”. Oh really?

Here’s the letter Glyn received – in full – from Robert Wright at the Corporation’s Complaints Department. The emphasis is ours.

Dear Glyn

Thanks for your recent e-mail.

We understand that you are unhappy that we've chosen Steve McClaren to commentate on Euro 2008 matches, in light of England not qualifying.

However, Steve is a respected coach and has managed at a high level. No one is more disappointed than Steve that England didn't qualify but his insight into International football is very important and he is a key part of our commentary team.

Nevertheless, I fully appreciate that you feel strongly about this matter and are unhappy with our decision to make him part of our team. Therefore I would like to assure you that we have registered your comments on our audience log.

This is the internal report of audience feedback which we compile daily for all programme makers and commissioning executives within the BBC, and also their senior management. It ensures that your points, and all other comments we receive, are circulated and considered across the BBC.

Thanks again for taking the time to contact the BBC.

Glyn asks: “Respected by whom? They have absolutely no idea of how the man in the street (who is paying their and his wages) feels.”