James Wilmore: Noel Gallagher - we need you!

I'd love to know Noel Gallagher's thoughts on pubs. The mono-browed Mancunian songwriter seems to have strong opinions on most things.

His latest outpouring has been on the subject of the Beeb's Manuelgate scandal (quelle surprise, or should that be, que surprise) - and hits the spot in a roundabout way.

Gallagher told BBC Radio Ulster's Across The Line show the media had overreacted to the incident, describing it as at worst as a "juvenile prank".

"Personally, I'm outraged that, yet again, the joyless f**kers who write the columns in the Daily Mail, The Telegraph or The Observer have dictated the tone and are telling people how to behave," he said.

"I've seen the Daily Mail, they said that Russell should be arrested and charged. Arrested for what? For taking the p*ss? It's so typical of the English in general. 10,000 people get outraged, but only days after it has happened."

Quite. Now, admittedly Noel was a frequent guest on Brand's show and considers him a friend - so Noel has a certain personal interest in the matter. And in the past I haven't always agreed with his opinions.

But here I think he makes a valid point about the media witch-hunt that followed a full two weeks after the broadcast.

Yes, it's no way for anyone to behave - least of all two highly paid stars who should know better.

But the reaction has been completely over-the-top - and much darker forces are at play in the way the media has attacked the Beeb, particularly the Daily Mail.

Anyway, I'm sure the subject will continue to spark debate in pubs up and down the country in days to come.

Oh, and if anyone happens to bump into Noel, supping on a pint of Guinness - see what his thoughts are on helping save the industry…