49 replies to this topic

[Dunc]

Anyone know what he's planning on doing now since the BBC don't want him?

[lukywill]

he will start posting in this bb just for annoying habits.

and will write alonso the best driver of 09 in a year time.

[Ferrari_F1_fan_2001]

I thought he was pretty good. I don't see why anyone is bothered by him. I personally liked him.

He was informed, he knew the sport inside out, he knew all the latest news, all the inside 'gossip', rarely made mistakes. Ok his outbursts and bias did sometimes get annoying but he was clearly passionate about the sport. People took a dislike to him because he replaced Murrary Walker and immediately started comparing the two. Look at it objectively and he was a pretty damn good commentator.

[EvilPhil II]

People took a disliking to him because he was a prick... end of

[MichaelPM]

I find it funny how only now we see the back of him people start to defend him.

[craftverk]

Originally posted by Ferrari_F1_fan_2001
I thought he was pretty good. I don't see why anyone is bothered by him. I personally liked him.

He was informed, he knew the sport inside out, he knew all the latest news, all the inside 'gossip', rarely made mistakes. Ok his outbursts and bias did sometimes get annoying but he was clearly passionate about the sport. People took a dislike to him because he replaced Murrary Walker and immediately started comparing the two. Look at it objectively and he was a pretty damn good commentator.

Post of the year.

[Crazy Canuck]

Originally posted by craftverk
Post of the year.

Originally posted by MichaelPM
I find it funny how only now we see the back of him people start to defend him.

+1 to MichaelPM


CC

[D.M.N.]

I'll just start laughing next year if we see posts saying "Bring Back James Allen".

[RedBaron]

The Jenson Button win didn't do him any favors. There's passion, then there's fake premeditated stupidity. Also calling the new Imola pitlane sexy wasn't his finest moment. But he wasn't a bad guy. I'd got used to him and enjoyed thinking 'oh my god did he just say that?' as I watched the coverage.

[caanan]

never found him that bad, but usually watched the speed feed instead...

maybe he'll become a writer as he does have a wealth of knowledge to share.

[Gareth]

Originally posted by Dunc
Anyone know what he's planning on doing now since the BBC don't want him?

I don't know, but I do know you'll never break him.

[superstring]

Originally posted by Ferrari_F1_fan_2001
I thought he was pretty good. I don't see why anyone is bothered by him. I personally liked him.

He was informed, he knew the sport inside out, he knew all the latest news, all the inside 'gossip', rarely made mistakes. Ok his outbursts and bias did sometimes get annoying but he was clearly passionate about the sport. People took a dislike to him because he replaced Murrary Walker and immediately started comparing the two. Look at it objectively and he was a pretty damn good commentator.

......aside from his over-the-top reaction to Button's win!

[RedBaron]

Originally posted by Gareth

I don't know, but I do know you'll never break him.

haha, if that's a reference to that song, very funny.

[potmotr]

Originally posted by Gareth

I don't know, but I do know you'll never break him.

I knew that was coming!

But lets not revise history just yet.

Towards the end of his time at ITV, I found a new perspective on James.

He's always been a very analytical commentator, who could read complicated races very well, and was always armed with plenty of good facts. There's no doubt he loves his racing, which is great.

I think the problem was his tendancy to become quite unnatural in moments of high excitement, like the start, Button winning in Hungary etc.

That's what started the Stop the Cock campaign on sniffpetrol.com

But in the past six months of this year he seemed to iron out those qualities and become quite acceptable to me.

Sadly for James, his reputation was already set in stone.

It's a shame he's lost his F1 gig though, as a passionate fan lucky enough to work in the sport it must be very hard for him to accept.

Lets hope he finds a new job which keeps him close to the action.

[pjabyrne]

He wasn't a bad guy, just not suited to the job. His bias towards Button was nausiating (as was the way he dumped him for new BF Hamilton!)

Murray Walker is a nice old coot but his pronouncements and opinions can be a bit predictable and jingoistic. In fairness though he doesn't mouth off like JYS for example. And in todays yoof-obsessed world it's AMAZINg that a WWII vetern is still quite an active part of the F1 fabric...

[P1McLarenMercedes]

I don't mind the OTT yelling when Button won etc, i can guarantee you, the fans of those drivers wouldve been doing the same thing, and having someone who loves the sport commentating can only be a good thing.

[lokiman]

Originally posted by Ferrari_F1_fan_2001
I thought he was pretty good. I don't see why anyone is bothered by him. I personally liked him.

He was informed, he knew the sport inside out, he knew all the latest news, all the inside 'gossip', rarely made mistakes. Ok his outbursts and bias did sometimes get annoying but he was clearly passionate about the sport. People took a dislike to him because he replaced Murrary Walker and immediately started comparing the two. Look at it objectively and he was a pretty damn good commentator.

Agreed. He was a good commentator, who could get annoying in large doses. But, then again, one could say the same thing about Murray.

[Scotracer]

He'll get his kids to dress up like Jenson and Lewis and have some 'playtime'

[Dudley]

He's got a decent blog.

[Classic Ferrari]

Judging by the guy that showed up to the interview with Shumi and talked about nothing other than Lewis, gives me the impression that things might actually get worse without him somehow...

[mclarensmps]

Originally posted by MichaelPM
I find it funny how only now we see the back of him people start to defend him.

Quoted for truth.

[I_hate_chicanes]

Originally posted by pjabyrne
He wasn't a bad guy, just not suited to the job. His bias towards Button was nausiating (as was the way he dumped him for new BF Hamilton!)

Murray Walker is a nice old coot but his pronouncements and opinions can be a bit predictable and jingoistic. In fairness though he doesn't mouth off like JYS for example. And in todays yoof-obsessed world it's AMAZINg that a WWII vetern is still quite an active part of the F1 fabric...

Agreed, BBC should hire him as a pitlane reporter. He was pretty good in that role for ITV AFAIK

[KiwiF1]

Originally posted by Dunc
Anyone know what he's planning on doing now since the BBC don't want him?

Still wetting himself over LH's title win!!

[airwise]

Originally posted by KiwiF1


Still wetting himself over LH's title win!!

Anyone here think the BBC's replacement will be more reserved and objective? Really?

At least Allen had a brain and understood the sport. More than can be said for some countries presenters from what I hear. I wish the guy well - I'm sure his writing career will blossom.

[Craven Morehead]

ironically, I thought that JA had finally found his groove this year. he seemed to calm down and quit the infernal screaming. It made him way better. he was always a big fan and very knowledgeable. I wonder if the new guy will be that?

[djellison]

Originally posted by RedBaron
Also calling the new Imola pitlane sexy wasn't his finest moment.

Combine that with his frankly vulgar comments regarding Kubica, and it's rather funny.

Hopefully he'll go away and right books.

He's tone, his artificiality, his outbursts, and whilst I'm sure he loves F1, a feeling of insincerity about the whole Allen experience. The whole experience was just not as pleasant as it could have been. And - truthfully - he missed things and made mistakes just like Murrary did.

[ashnathan]

I was so surprised, in contrast to buttons win when lewis crossed the line as champion, i was expecting my tv to shatter but he wasnt even really excited, kind of an anti climax,

[COUGAR508]

I would imagine that James Allen will write some material for some of the F1 magazines. Are there any jobs available for him with other English-language TV or radio stations?

[Craven Morehead]

I think the Shopping Channel is looking for someone.

[Hacklerf]

He writes good stuff, and in Brazil he was brilliant, but that is one race in like 10 years, so cya later James

[Ferrari_F1_fan_2001]

Originally posted by MichaelPM
I find it funny how only now we see the back of him people start to defend him.

I've always defended James Allen. I always thought the criticism was unfounded.

[howardt]

He'll be working on a book right about now.

(I'm hoping it'll be "Unbreakable - the James Allen story")

My guess is it'll be worth reading once published. His writing is quite accomplished, and following the circus around for ten years or so is going to turn up some interesting background.

[Pilla]

Sometimes he said stupid things, and missed things that seemed obvious, and sometimes he made me cringe, but he was pretty good, I never had to mute the TV or anything like that. He was definitely better than Murray Walker in his later years.

[D.M.N.]

Originally posted by Dunc
Anyone know what he's planning on doing now since the BBC don't want him?

Why don't Autosport.com hire him as a web reporter?

[Dunc]

I'm pleased to see I'm no the only person who liked JA. All commentators have their bad points, with Bill Mclaren it was that he brought up pointless information all the time, with John Motson it was constatnly referring to 1966 when covering internationals, with JA it's his shouting and occasional overreactions.

[COUGAR508]

Originally posted by D.M.N.


Why don't Autosport.com hire him as a web reporter?

He did write some good articles and stories in his pre-television days.

[Ligier26]

I'm quite sure he will be gainfully employed as a writer and editor of F1 books - including one of his memoirs of life as an F1 broadcaster no doubt. Don't be surprised to see 'James Allen's 60 Years of Formula One' or whatever being published this time next year, very probably with a big photo of Lewis on the front!

When he gets 'microphone withdrawal symptoms', I feel sure he will turn up as compere for F1 car launches (like Peter Windsor), Paddock Club driver interviews (like Murray Walker or Marc Surer) and motorsports awards dinners (like Steve Rider).

Probably not a bad life for an F1 enthusiast then, all in all.

[MichaelPM]

Originally posted by Ferrari_F1_fan_2001


I've always defended James Allen. I always thought the criticism was unfounded.

I'm sure there where some out there who liked him but I honestly can't remember anyone defending him before.

[wiligates]

Originally posted by I_hate_chicanes


Agreed, BBC should hire him as a pitlane reporter. He was pretty good in that role for ITV AFAIK

I thought he was excellent in that role.He was on the ball as far as fuel loads and being at the right pit for the most important stops and said what needed to be said .When he had to pad out two hours as host he lost it.
I almost felt sorry for the poor guy as the final few laps of Brazil played out and he said to Brundle how good it had been working with him etc.There was a silent moment and then Brundle commented about something in the race without giving Allen a similar compliment.I'm sure it was unintentional but ,ouch.

[mursuka80]

Originally posted by Scotracer
He'll get his kids to dress up like Jenson and Lewis and have some 'playtime'

Are you saying he is a pedo?

[christoff]

I've always respected JA's knowledge and passion and as mentioned previously his ability to read acomplex race and also his ability to translate technical issues to lesser informed viewers.
If new viewers are simply faced with a wall of technical jargon they will not return, no viewers no revenue no racing.
It does seem fashionable to bash him, unfortunately all that sticks in some peoples minds are a few bad or annoying pieces.
Anyway, if you want to know a little more about him here is a link to his profile.

http://www.jamesalle...com/f1diary.htm

Think he will be ok even if he's not on the beeb.

[fastlegs]

Originally posted by potmotr


Towards the end of his time at ITV, I found a new perspective on James.

He's always been a very analytical commentator, who could read complicated races very well, and was always armed with plenty of good facts. There's no doubt he loves his racing, which is great.

I think the problem was his tendancy to become quite unnatural in moments of high excitement, like the start, Button winning in Hungary etc.

That's what started the Stop the Cock campaign on sniffpetrol.com

But in the past six months of this year he seemed to iron out those qualities and become quite acceptable to me.

Sadly for James, his reputation was already set in stone.

It's a shame he's lost his F1 gig though, as a passionate fan lucky enough to work in the sport it must be very hard for him to accept.

Lets hope he finds a new job which keeps him close to the action.

Well said.

I also noticed the change in James Allen over this past season and found it refreshing. Like you, I hope he can find a job in F1 that keeps him close to the action.

[equality]

Originally posted by christoff
I've always respected JA's knowledge and passion and as mentioned previously his ability to read acomplex race and also his ability to translate technical issues to lesser informed viewers.
If new viewers are simply faced with a wall of technical jargon they will not return, no viewers no revenue no racing.
It does seem fashionable to bash him, unfortunately all that sticks in some peoples minds are a few bad or annoying pieces.
Anyway, if you want to know a little more about him here is a link to his profile.

http://www.jamesalle...com/f1diary.htm

Think he will be ok even if he's not on the beeb.

Well i dont think he couldv sunk any lower than at say Canada. I bet he got a lot of stick for that and i bet ITV also received lots of complaints. Its one thing to be patriotic and supporting the brits. Its another to broadcast a lewis lovefest. Allens comments where of an idiot. I wont miss him. Or the entire of the ITV crew.

[christoff]

Originally posted by equality


Well i dont think he couldv sunk any lower than at say Canada. I bet he got a lot of stick for that and i bet ITV also received lots of complaints. Its one thing to be patriotic and supporting the brits. Its another to broadcast a lewis lovefest. Allens comments where of an idiot. I wont miss him. Or the entire of the ITV crew.

Each to their own, however he may have had an editorial steer to follow who knows, but as the saying goes 'You can please some of them all the time . . . . . '

;)

[kar]

I think in the commentary booth you had someone who was a bit of a dork, trying a lot too hard.

When he's writing he's so much more natural and although he does still overreach himself, in print he's given more time to consider what he's trying to say, and b) doesn't have to 'fill in the time'.

That's why I think he's much better writing than he is speaking.

[Scotracer]

Originally posted by mursuka80


Are you saying he is a pedo?

No I'm suggesting he is THAT obsessed with Jense and Lewis.

[Alfisti]

Originally posted by MichaelPM
I find it funny how only now we see the back of him people start to defend him.

EH? I have been doing tit for years. he shits all over Murray Walker.

[dank]

Anybody else read James Allen's 'You Ask the Questions' feature in this month's F1-Racing magazine? He speaks about all the criticism he and ITV received over the years. The bloke doesn't appear to be a big fan of the Sniff Petrol website and their 'Stop The Cock' t-shirts!

I can't say I've enjoyed all the criticism and I can't say it exactly hurt either. But it would be a shame if people thought that all the criticism I've had is the view of the majority, because it isn't. It simply isn't.

Which is probably the case. But I don't know how sure he is unless he's done a straw-poll of all ITV's F1 viewers.

I'm more surprised that nobody asked him what he had planned for next year really.

[Chicken McNuggets]

Originally posted by dank
Anybody else read James Allen's 'You Ask the Questions' feature in this month's F1-Racing magazine? He speaks about all the criticism he and ITV received over the years. The bloke doesn't appear to be a big fan of the Sniff Petrol website and their 'Stop The Cock' t-shirts!

Which is probably the case. But I don't know how sure he is unless he's done a straw-poll of all ITV's F1 viewers.

I'm more surprised that nobody asked him what he had planned for next year really.

He does state on his aforementioned blog/website that he will remain in "F1 media" and will announce his plans soon.

Personally, I've stated on another forum before that I never had a problem with him as commentator, certainly didn't see the point of any of these campaigns and for that matter, wouldn't have minded at all if he was selected for the BBC role. I do agree with the justification suggested earlier that the Button/Hamilton obsession over the years was almost certainly more of an ITV editorial thing as much as anything specific to him (everyone else at ITV bar Brundle seemed to suffer from the same syndrome, as have, as we have already seen, a few of their opposite numbers at the BBC).

Back to Allen though, an Autosport website or magazine return anyone? I'm not as seasoned with his writing as some are, but with regard to that I have seen, I agree with many of the other positive sentiments expressed. The ITV-F1 website is apparently set to run through '09, so I can only presume he's not exactly headed straight from Brazil to the Job Centre yet?

[LostProphet]

He's a good writer, I really enjoyed his book on Schumacher.
A view from his years in the sport as an insider would be VERY revealing I'd wager