For one reason or another, FSC have enjoyed a lot of headlines on EPL Talk lately. 2010 is already scheduled to be a massive year for the network that continues to provide footie fans the beautiful game with a variety of leagues on offer each week. We’re all anxiously waiting to turn on our TVs one morning only to miraculously experience the magic of full HD. After that moment, our lives instantly improve. Those eight hours stuck in a cubicle are now that much more bearable knowing that pristine, crystal-clear football await us at the end our our daily commute.

In preparation for the transfer over to HD, a new channel called Fox Soccer Plus and the 2010 World Cup, FSC have teamed up with Pitch International LLP to add a few quality programs that are definitely worth your time:

  • The Contenders – a 30 minute look at some of the major countries competing at this summer’s World Cup. The first few episodes covered Italy and Brazil with a half hour look at England set to air Monday night. The show takes a quick look at the history of the featured country in past competitions before a recap of the teams qualification, current squad and players to watch. It’s unclear how many episodes will air and what countries will feature. However, it would be nice for FSC to feature some of the smaller countries and African and Asian nations to prepare football fans for the World Cup.
  • The Greatest – Just the opening sequence gives me chills. I’ve been looking for a show like this to feature for some time. Soccer DVD’s are almost impossible to find in stores in the States and they’re not cheap to order online after shipping fees. The odd deal can be found, but to get a thorough look at some of the world’s greatest footballers from the comfort of your couch and from a channel you’re already paying for cannot be beaten. The Greatest recaps a players career from their start in youth squads, to each club they’ve played with, international career and all the fantastic highlights in between. Recent episodes have included the Brazilian Ronaldo and Ruud Gullit. While a recent hour long episode featured the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paolo Rossi, Dennis Law, Luis Figo, Bobby Moore, Kaka, Dino Zoff, Socrates, Steven Gerrard and many more in 1 to 2 minute segments. Highlights are interspersed with interviews from the likes of Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, Alfredo di Stefano and Bobby Charlton. “In the weeks to come 25 more players are looked at in depth” – is how the show ends. It’s safe to say viewers are in for continued quality programing with more to come from The Greatest.

Passport to South Africa recently featured on FSC but has thus far eluded me and my DVR. If you’ve seen it, feel free to leave a comment giving myself and other readers an idea on what to expect. Also, stayed tuned to EPL Talk for all the latest developments from The Gaffer and others as FSC continues to grow in 2010.