3 minute read
WELCOME TO OUR NEW PANELLISTS
by Thepools
By Paul Knowles
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New Pools Panel members are joining the existing panel. Michael Owen, ranked as one of England and Liverpool FC’s greatest ever strikers, will team up with Scotland and Rangers goalscoring hero Derek
Johnstone and the panel’s first ever woman expert, former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis.
The three new panel members will join the existing panel of Ian Callaghan, Tony Green and David Sadler all using their expertise, and some strong opinions, to decide the all-important score draws and wins which could help make Pools fortunes.
The new line-up was announced at a VIP event held at the National Football Museum in Manchester to celebrate 60 years of the Pools Panel.
Michael, who has gone on to become a successful football pundit since retiring from the game in 2013, said he was delighted to become part of an institution which means so much to fans.
He said: “Football Pools has been a tradition for generations of families and mine is no different. My dad used to do the Pools and he would even let me get involved in picking some of the games.
“Now I can no longer affect results as a player, I’m delighted to have been asked to sit on the panel to hopefully put my knowledge of the game to use to help others.” He believes his second career in the game post-retirement has given him a different perspective to bring to the Pools Panel.
“As a pundit I watch and cover more football nowadays so I am more aware. As a player, you only really look ahead to the next game and your role.
“I will probably have to do a bit more homework on teams outside of the Premier League for form and trends, but when I do have a strong opinion about something I’ll definitely be happy to speak up!
“The Football Pools has had some footballing greats who’ve sat on the Pools Panel over the years and this year is no different. I’m looking forward to working alongside the team and I’m most looking forward to helping create some winners.”
https://www.footballpools.com/blog/welcome-to-our-newpanellists
