It's great to be here

Posted by Ray Stubbs on 21/08/2009

It was a long time since I had experienced pre-match nerves, but pre-programme nerves were evident when I arrived at the studio for ESPN's Premier League kick-off last Saturday lunchtime. New season, new channel, new job and a great sense of excitement.

Discussions over whether Joleon Lescott would play for Everton, the programme script and the technical questions that needed answering had to be put to one side while another issue was resolved. ESPN guest pundit Peter Reid was keen to show off his new voice-activated phone but was concerned that the latest technological advances weren't up to dealing with his Liverpool accent.

"Play Bruce Springsteen" he instructed the phone only to be dismayed that it called Sunderland manager Steve Bruce. Another attempt to play music ended with a phone call to a Manchester United director. "Call Stubbs R" was the next instruction and this time it worked only because I was sitting next to him. With the former Evertonian and Arsenal legend Ian Wright alongside me in the studio I was in the company of friends and former colleagues.

Steven Berkoff's oratory performed on the stage of Richmond theatre in south-west London had got us off to a flyer but Arsenal stole the show with a stunning performance.

There was a buzz around the studio before during and after the programme, everyone in the ESPN team are indeed delighted to be here but as one columnist wrote on Monday morning it was a case of "cheer up, Peter Reid".

Monday night seemed to arrive very quickly after Saturday evening and the first ESPN Scottish Premier League game supplied us with a highly entertaining match.

Dundee United's win over Hearts will be remembered for Danny Cadamarteri's debut brace and Hearts skipper Michael Stewart's red card but for me it was one of those occasions when a football result or a television programme were put into context.

Colin Hendry is part of the ESPN team, and he is trying to come to terms with the tragic death of his wife. We are delighted Colin is part of our ESPN team and out thoughts have been with him and his family of late.

The weekend is here before we know it and ESPN will show Premier League games on Saturday Sunday and Monday. I hope our UK readers will be able to join us.

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Posted by Chuks ross iyke on 28/08/2009

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