RON Atkinson is saying "bonjour " to a new opportunity as a television football pundit.

The former soccer boss is taking part in a BBC reality programme called "Parley Vous" in which he is learning French.

Big Ron, from Barnt Green, has been set a number of linguistic tasks before meeting his final challenge at the end of the series.

He will be asked to work as a co-commentator on a French TV channel at the big local derby game between Marseille and Nice.

Ron said: "The programme is a lot of fun and I saw it as a new challenge and the chance to learn another language.

"From 9am to 6pm every day I am only allowed to speak in French and I am slowly getting to grips with it.

"I am set little tasks along the way.

"The other day I had to take charge of the delivery of some wine and the big one will be at the end when I have to commentate on the match between Marseille and Nice.

"Now that should be a real test, for me and the viewers!

"I don't know whether there are any translations for some of my football terms."

Ron was controversially axed by ITV Sport for making racists remarks about former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly.

"I don't see this is a way back into my old job in television," he said.

"It is just a one-off fun programme."

The series will be shown early next year and also features TV presenter Esther Ransen and stand-up comic Marcus Brigstock.