Pundit Watch: Stanley Victor Collymore

In this, the second post in my new series, I thought I'd try to balance my anti-Tyldesley venom with something positive. This time around, the pundit under the spotlight is something of a controversial figure. His punditry, however, has been a pleasant and refreshing surprise.

Stan Collymore, BBC

Stan Collymore has hit the headlines in a big way over the years. As a player, his scoring record at Nottingham Forest shot him to fame. At Liverpool, Collymore's involvement in those stunning 4-3 matches against Newcastle United will long be remembered as exciting, talented and, dare I say it, world class performances.

At my club, Villa, Stan came in as the local hero, the final piece in the puzzle. Things didn't turn out so well, and a man who should have become a legend has instead gone down in history as a disappointment of unprecedented proportions.

The really negative headlines, though, have surrounded Stan's private life. There's no need to go into detail about Collymore's attack on that horrible tart off Gladiators, or his sexual habits. We all know what's happened to him and we know that only Stan is to blame for the less-than-sympathetic response of press and public.

Given his history, I'm sure he'd forgive me for not expecting him to stray into the world of punditry. But I'm glad he did.

Self-tortured genius on the field, measured and sensible pundit off. His appearances on Radio Five Live are generally interesting and informative - and there's not many pundits capable of winning that accolade from me.

The thing with Stan is that when you listen to him, you learn something. He knows the game, and he knows the industry. Refreshingly, he also knows the fans. Collymore was one of the first 'insiders' to really come out in 100% opposition to the Premier League's ludicrous Game 39 proposal.

The pundits that really impress me are the ones who know the game outside their own position. Tony Adams, though monotonous, knows the theory of the striker's art. Likewise Stan and defenders.

It's a depth of knowledge which eludes the likes of Andy Gray and Alan Hansen. As a lifelong fan, I know my football. But I fully accept that sometimes those with more experience have more expertise. Stan is a rare gem, and I just hope he is given the opportunity to do more - and that he keeps himself focused on where he wants to go.

Pundit Watch verdict: B+