Originally Posted by
Feck_the_Huns
Speaking of David Coleman....
I'm currently reading Archie McPherson's book on Scotland's exploits in the World Cup, 74-98. The 74 and 78 World Cups, where of course England never qualified, Archie went out with the BBC and expected to be commentating to the entire UK. Wrong. Coleman turned up, and pulled rank on him for the Brazil game in West Germany finals. Told him that FIFA told the BBC that there was only enough "space" for one BBC slot, and it would be him. Came across as a richt cnut.
Old Archie had to complain to his MP back home, to allow him to take up his normal space. FIFA had said nothing of the sort, it was BBC London who had made the decision. Sounds like Coleman basically ran the sports dept, back then.