The Beeb will struggle to handle Hansen’s exit

The quality of the BBC’s punditry has been a hot topic over the last few years.

“Not good enough” seems to be the general consensus and I think Alan Hansen’s impending retirement is going to leave viewers even more unhappy.

For me, Hansen is one of the all-time great pundits.

I’d argue he was amongst the first to bring a deeper level of analysis to football coverage.

While those that came before would often talk in generalities, Hansen would break a move down, explain what went wrong for the defending team and why goals were scored.

And what a bank of knowledge he had to draw upon.

He won eight League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, six Charity Shields and three European Cups playing at the heart of Liverpool’s defence.

That gave him a hell of a lot of gravitas and it shows to this day.

On the pitch, he was a formidable opponent. He was so strong, so quick and read the game so well.

I used to dread the thought of him carrying the ball out of defence when I was playing against him. I’d have to go hell for leather to try to keep up with him!

It’s been the same since he moved from playing into punditry.

When Hansen talks, you listen. Then you follow.

That’s why the BBC have kept hold of him so tightly all these years.

And when he’s gone after next summer’s World Cup, I can guarantee you they will find it hard to replace him.

Is it the right time for Alan to leave? He obviously feels that’s the case.

But I don’t think the criticism that’s been aimed at Match of the Day recently will have had anything to do with it.

You don’t work in the media without having a thick skin and I should know. I’ve been doing it for 20-odd years!

The one criticism you could perhaps level at BBC coverage is that, for a while, it turned into something that looked like an old mates’ club.

With Hansen and Mark Lawrenson on Match of the Day, people felt it was like they had it sewn up two old Liverpool team-mates batting off easy questions from Gary Lineker.

For me, that’s been dealt with, and recently Hansen has been back at his best.

But he obviously feels his time has come. Long days, long journeys and too many days and weeks away from home will do that to you eventually.

There will be some who’d say the BBC will benefit from the shake-up Hansen’s departure will trigger.

But the truth is, it will be a sad day for broadcasting when Alan signs off for the last time.