I recently had the chance to watch Pelada, a remarkable soccer documentary that follows two Americans on a journey around the world in pursuit of pick-up games. It’s a simple premise, but the experiences and people they encounter around the globe are wonderful to watch. If you consider yourself a soccer fan, this is one documentary that you must seek out.

When the film recently made its South Florida debut, I was fortunate to catch the film at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood with some of the soccer royalty from the southern tip of this great country. In the audience were Thomas Rongen, Fernando Clavijo, Miami FC, Phil Schoen, Ray Hudson and many others. Thankfully, I had a chance to capture Ray Hudson’s introduction to the film and I also interviewed the star of the film, Gwendolyn Oxenham.

Below you’ll find a 15-minute edition of the EPL Talk Podcast which features both the Hudson introduction and the conversation with Oxenham.

Wherever you live in the world, try to watch the unforgettable film. More information can be found at http://pelada-movie.com/

If you’ve ever had a question you were dying to ask Ray Hudson, here’s your chance. Post your question in the comments section below, and I’ll pick out the best ones to ask Ray this Saturday when Kartik Krishnaiyer and I embark on our behind-the-scenes visit to the GolTV studios in Miami.

Kartik and I will be spending the day in the studio with Ray Hudson, Phil Schoen, Lindsey Dean and Pablo Alsina — and the GolTV crew — as we chronicle what a typical Saturday is like behind-the-scenes in the studio. In addition to Ray Hudson, feel free to post your questions in the comments below for Phil Schoen, Lindsey Dean and Pablo Alsina, too, as well as any production questions for the people behind the scenes at GolTV.

Here are the games that Kartik and I will be watching from the studio, and watching the commentators call:

• Hamburg vs Borussia Dortmund, 11:30am; commentator: Phil Schoen
• Real Madrid vs Malaga, 2pm; commentators: Phil Schoen and Ray Hudson
• Barcelona vs Vallodolid, 4pm; commentators: Pablo Alsina and Lindsey Dean

As well as videotaping what it’s like to see Ray and Phil commentating on games from the studio, Kartik and I will be interviewing each of the commentators and publishing the interviews later via the Major League Soccer Talk Podcast and EPL Talk Podcast. During Saturday, I’ll be twittering what’s happening behind the scenes, so feel free to follow me on Twitter.

Ray Hudson played with Newcastle United in the 1970s before moving to the United States where he played in the NASL for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Hudson later became the head coach for the Miami Fusion and DC United, and is now a successful commentator for GolTV, a 24/7 soccer network in the United States.

Last week’s news around the Internet that GolTV was the subject of a possible takeover was misguided. Yes it’s true that a deal between MLSE and GolTV looks imminent. However, MLSE is only interested in GolTV Canada, which operates separately from GolTV in the United States.

MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment), owners of Toronto FC, is interested in purchasing GolTV Canada for around $12 million, according to the Globe And Mail newspaper.

Disciples of Ray Hudson, have no fear. America’s favorite soccer commentator will still be heard each and every weekend on GolTV.

What would you do if you were in charge of Fox Soccer Channel’s TV coverage? The dilemma is that you’re trying to establish your own brand and to build an audience with your own personnel, but soccer fans — as you’ll probably agree — are difficult people to please. We always want perfection.

A perfect example is this past Saturday’s England against Kazakhstan World Cup Qualifier that was shown live on Fox Soccer Channel. Hosts Nick Webster and Warren Barton did a fine job in the beginning of the show with expert analysis and discussion. But when the game started, soccer fans were startled to hear that Webster and Barton continued their discussion into the game and didn’t hand over the commentary, as is customary, to the international feed — which would have been Clive Tyldesley and Gary Stevens.

While Webster is a decent analyst, he is no soccer commentator. So instead of commentating the game, it feeled like Webster and Barton were simply talking over the game and providing their analysis. Webster’s style improved later when he began commentating on the game itself, but I always had the feeling that I was missing out on something — that one of the commentators from the international feed would have been able to impart some wisdom that Webster would have missed.

The dilemma for Fox is that GolTV does the same thing but with better results. Few people seem to complain when Ray Hudson and Phil Schoen commentate on the World Cup qualifiers that GolTV broadcast. It’s quite rare that GolTV will broadcast the commentators from the international feed.

So what would you do if you were Fox and you wanted to feature your commentators? Would you have someone like Max Bretos or Christian Miles do the main commentary instead, and have Webster and Barton provide the studio analysis only? Or would you suggest something different? Let us know by clicking the comments link below and sharing your thoughts.

Former Newcastle United player Ray Hudson, one of the most colorful English language commentators around, is the guest on the latest episode of the Major League Soccer Talk Podcast.

Interviewed by Kartik Krishnaiyer, Hudson discusses what he thinks of the England team and the Premier League, which league he finds most entertaining to watch, as well as recounting fond memories of his playing days in the North American Soccer League (NASL) and what it was like playing alongside some of the greats of world football.

Enjoy the interview with the GolTV commentator.

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