[RhysJR]

The whole Steve Rider era of ITV Sport seems a bit of an unorganised mess and a bit tragic looking back. He was parachuted into the 2006 World Cup #1 seat ahead of Jim Rosenthal and Gabby Logan, despite barely covering football beforehand. Then in 201, he quit at the beginning of May because Adrian Chiles was appointed over his head - leaving Matt Smith having to present the FA Cup and Champions League finals. There are some reports of the time indicating he was thinking of legal action, but ultimately it was an "amicable agreement" and he continued to present the BTCC and came back to host the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Plus the treatment of Gabby Logan in that period doesn't feel right looking back. Apparently her contract was terminated midway through the 2006 World Cup, and that was after being their lead presenter weeks beforehand and being replaced by Rider.

The Clive removal aside, ITV's presentation seems a lot more settled and consitent these days, which is to its betterment. Mark Pougatch doing his fifth tournament as lead presenter, something that none of his predecessors for a good while failed to do.

www.theguardian.com 

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PS I hadn't realised that Steve was diagnosed with prostate cancer late last year. Hopefully he makes a full recovery.

prostatecanceruk.org