That's nice to hear. He had said before it was one of his professional dreams to do the nats. Maybe he'll bring us some luck of the Irish too..
I'm pretty sure he did that game. I remember him and Ty (or maybe it was Rob Stone, but I think it was Ty) going back and forth with each other, with Ty commenting about the Irish's love of alcohol....
He did the US Cup game between the sides in 2000, IIRC... it was Tommy and Seamus Malin as part of a three-team booth, with Jack Edwards moderating as the play-by-play traffic cop. Best broadcast involving the USMNT I have ever heard. ESPN should do more games like that.
Tommy Smyth is awesome. I think his commentary is pretty good, and he is very knowledgable. I think he will do a good job with USMNT games.
I think Derek Rae and Tommy Smyth are the best duo ESPN has had in the soccer booth, although JP is class, too.
He did not say he would be doing PBP or color, he said he might be involved in the broadcast. Probably he will get a short segment at the half, like he now does for ESPN's coverage of MLS, or some sort of studio commentator role.
JP and Tommie used to do the Metros broadcasts on MSG a few years ago until ESPN told Tommie he could only work with ESPN.
If Tommy is doing color, I think it would be right and just if Jack Edwards did PBP. Imagine how long the postgame thread would be!
So true! Two knowledgeable guys who make fun of each other once in a while (e.g., Rae telling Smyth good-naturedly that he is opinionated).
Actually, my response was "Aw crap." But close enough. I don't want to see or hear that guy, unless he's gonna fulfill some type of Jimmy the Greek charicature role.
Tommy would be great. He has personality which is something Ty lacks, and is also very entertaining. Play by Play i'd probably like JP too and maybe add more Wynalda. He should have more of a role than just sideline reporter.
Got to keep Jack Jack Edwards is the voice of United States National Team soccer, there are not and should not be opinions on the matter. I agree that JP is good, but in no way shape or form should he replace Jack. Also I may be the only one, but I like Stoner involved. Wynalda is ok, but as long as Brent Musberger never gets near soccer ever again I'll be happy. Anyone else remeber how awful he was durning France '98. Cringing just thinking about it.
Speaking of which, where is Seamus nowadays? He didn't have Smyth's gregariousness, but I liked him a lot. I personally thought Bob Ley and Seamus were the best duo we ever had.
Good question. Seamus is certainly very knowledgable, and it would be a shame if he weren't involved in some team's commentary this year. I wish I had an answer, but being overseas, I don't. Maybe someone closer to Seamus' home base, like in New England, could answer this little quandry...
Hey guys watch a few games, Seamus is alive and well in the ESPN International. In fact as I write I am have him on tape doing Intr Milan and AC Milan today.Go Seamus Go. Oh his partner is that Scottish lad Derek Rae, fairley good he is too.
OK, as an ESPN Int'l viewer overseas, I should have known that. Damn, need another cuppa tea to wake me up, I guess...
the more Smyth is involved, the better. he's not without his faults, but he's a character, he knows soccer, and he's infectious. all good qualities to be associated with U.S. Soccer. as far as i know, he's the first soccer announcer to have wedged himself into the good graces of ESPN AS A SOCCER ANNOUNCER (not including Edwards and Stoney in this description despite the fact they do other sports for ESPN) - witness his new segment on ESPNews every Wed. he actually seems to have gained some grudging respect from Bristol. like i said, he ain't perfect, and can sometimes be frustrating, but the more the merrier with Tommy.