JOE King writing for the on-line betting website www.bluesq.com HERE rues the alarming spread of optimism about TV football.

'A goal now would make for a thrilling finale'

I guarantee that every TV commentary game this season in which a team is two goals up in the second half will feature this phrase at some point.

If there is a three-goal margin you will hear a slightly more subdued, "a goal now would make it very interesting indeed."

Translation A: "It isn't very interesting at the moment is it?" Translation B: "They're 3-0 down. They haven't had a shot all game. You may as well switch over to Catchphrase."

I haven't yet heard, "Four goals now would make for an absorbing injury time," but it can't be far away.

There is no such thing as a bad game on telly anymore. The dreariest 0-0 will always find Andy Gray dizzy with excitement.

It will either be a "fascinating tactical duel" or "you get the impression that the game could explode into life at any moment."

This remark is a giveaway. If it is about to "explode into life" then right now it must be clinically dead.

The trend is getting worse.

My own gloomy forecast involves Sky eventually using computer game technology to digitally enhance the action.

Not much talent on show? No problem - our graphic design programmers can soon get those shots on target. Left a bit, up a bit. Perfect. Top corner.

It will be like silicone implants for skill.

I'm afraid Sky must take much of the blame for all this. And as they gradually take over the whole of British sport the disease of optimism will spread.

Imagine Martin Tyler and Andy Gray at Wimbledon.

"I've got to say this rain really is of the highest quality, Andy"

Absolutely incredible! That is some rain. I don't think we've seen it's like for a long time. Enjoy it while you can, folks."

"Over on Sky Sports 2 now you can see the highlights of this year's cloudbursts at SW19. Right now though, we're going courtside to Gary Newbon who's got the latest moisture measurement update."

Maybe all the hype is not such a bad thing. After all, if they told us it was rubbish we might be tempted to get up off the sofa.

And that would never do.