Published
Sports Betting

The Pools Panel adds three new panellists for anniversary, including Michael Owen

In celebration of 60 years of its Pools Panel, The Football Pools is adding three new experts to its lineup. Namely, Michael Owen, formerly of Liverpool and Manchester United, Derek Johnstone from Rangers and ex-England goalkeeper, Rachel Brown-Finnis. 

poolspanel

The announcement arrives in conjunction with The Football Pools and The Pools relaunching its affiliate programme, with casino and sportsbook affiliates offering a range of promotional deals to their UK audience. 

Within the show, the trio will join existing member and Liverpool veteran, Ian Callaghan, to predict the results of postponed matches. Through their combined expertise spanning 50 years, decisions will be made on score draws and wins. 

Retiring from the game in 2013, Michael Owen transferred his knowledge as a player to his current role as a football pundit. On this latest move, he commented that he was delighted to become part of a football gaming institution that means so much to fans.

Owen said: “The 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.”

Speaking of the new additions to the Panel, John Stevens, The Football Pools and The Pools’ Managing Director said it was a fitting way to celebrate its 60th year. 

He said: “Since the Pools Panel was set up in 1963, we’ve had some of the biggest names in the game predicting results. Our new members represent football from different generations, from both sides of the border and we’re very proud to have our first ever woman panellist with Rachel.

"We are confident that we’ve created a winning team in what is such a landmark year for us. It is great to be announcing the new Pools Panel at the same time as we are relaunching our affiliate program and looking to engage with new publishers about promoting our brands to their audiences.” 

Premium+ Connections
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium
 
Premium Connections
Consultancy
Executive Profiles
Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC)
Las Vegas Sands Corp.
GambleAware
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Follow Us

Facing facts: Nevada vs Macau

How is the Nevada gaming market faring against Macau? Gambli...

Taking stock: Kicking off 2025

Gambling Insider tracks online casino operator and supplier...

Responsible gambling: Who is morally, practically and legally responsible?

Within the ethical complexities of gambling, how much onus f...

Account limits: Legality and fairness in the UK

Paul Sculpher, Director of GRS Recruitment and regular Gambl...

Analysing sports betting data from the Australian Open

Sports betting supplier Betby provides Gambling Insider with...

Company profile: Digitain

Discover Digitain: BUILT TO LEAD iGaming Solutions....

Company profile: DS Virtual Gaming

For two decades, DS Virtual Gaming has been at the forefront...

Exploring X Games' move to sports betting

Gambling Insider’s Megan Elswyth speaks to X Games CEO Jer...