Charles Sale says Graham Taylor has been 'overlooked' as 5 Live's England analysis for the World Cup this summer and Danny Mills will be doing it instead. I'm not sure if this means Graham won't be going at all. I'd have thought it would be more likely health related than anything else. Taylor's still one of the best BBC radio pundits for me.
Mark Saggers presenting Kick-Off: Exclusive from the Etihad Stadium.
PREMIER LEAGUE
Manchester City v Sunderland - Sam Matterface and Stan Collymore, with Dominic McGuiness pitchside (commentary)
Everton v Crystal Palace - Graham Beecroft
BBC LONDON
PREMIER LEAGUE
Everton v Crystal Palace - Andy Rowley and Steve Froggatt (DAB commentary)
BBC RADIO MANCHESTER
PREMIER LEAGUE
Manchester City v Sunderland - Ian Cheeseman and Shaun Goater (commentary)
BBC RADIO MERSEYSIDE
PREMIER LEAGUE
Everton v Crystal Palace - Mike Hughes and Ronny Goodlass (commentary)
Charles Sale says Graham Taylor has been 'overlooked' as 5 Live's England analysis for the World Cup this summer and Danny Mills will be doing it instead. I'm not sure if this means Graham won't be going at all. I'd have thought it would be more likely health related than anything else. Taylor's still one of the best BBC radio pundits for me.
Agreed, he's not been around too much, I think he had a knee op so probably just isn't up to it, he might have a studio based role (possibly in the UK)
Premier League
Everton v Crystal Palace - Russell Hargreaves
Manchester City v Sunderland - Dan Wheeler and Jason Euell (featured 7.45pm commentary on international radio stations)
I think John Inverdale presented Sport on 2 on that day. They made a late decision to drop the Sports Report theme music (Out of the Blue).
It sounded like someone I know and that makes sense
I'm listening to 5Live's Hillsborough documentary and it's fantastically well put together and wonderfully handled by Mark Pougatch with some very sad memories from Alan Green.
It sounded like someone I know and that makes sense
I'm listening to 5Live's Hillsborough documentary and it's fantastically well put together and wonderfully handled by Mark Pougatch with some very sad memories from Alan Green.
I can't recall if Inverdale was there at the time, probably not. Commentary was due to be Alan Green & PeterJones, with Jimmy Armfield.
At Villa Park was Mike Ingham and Bryon Butler (cannot recall the summeriser, but may have been Trevor Brooking)
Alan used to cover the Snooker at The Crucible in those days so this was due to be his last game for a couple of weeks.
When the game was played at Old Trafford, it was a Sunday lunchtime, I have no idea who were the comms, i *think* PJ was given a break from football, not sure
On the subject of Hillsborough, on the 25th anniversary of the disaster on Tuesday I noticed that talkSPORT were using clips of Graham Beecroft's reports from the game for BBC Radio Merseyside during their news bulletins. I've heard some of these clips on BBC Radio documentaries about the tragedy, but can't remember hearing them on talkSPORT before.
It's very decent of the BBC to allow talkSPORT to use this audio, with Radio Merseyside being more appropriate for their audience than one of the television, other BBC radio or commercial radio commentaries from Hillsborough would be given Beecroft's familiarity to the station's listeners and how he is the man they have always called upon to report on the campaign for justice and now the inquests.
The particular bit of audio I remember them playing on Tuesday was not one of Beecroft's reports as the tragedy was unfolding, but one from a while later after he'd been to the Hillsborough police control room to speak to some of the officers in charge, who'd told him that Liverpool supporters hadn't charged the gate and that what had unfolded had happened because there were too many people in the Leppings Lane end, which was contrary to what some national television broadcasters had reported at the time. The clip I'm talking about is quoted at the beginning of this blog. There and elsewhere, I've seen Beecroft praised for the job he did that day, for taking the time to establish the facts before reporting what he knew to be accurate. It's such a shame that not everyone reported on Hillsborough in this matter.
I can't recall if Inverdale was there at the time, probably not. Commentary was due to be Alan Green & PeterJones, with Jimmy Armfield.
At Villa Park was Mike Ingham and Bryon Butler (cannot recall the summeriser, but may have been Trevor Brooking
It was indeed John Inverdale, though I doubt he'd have been there, in those days I'm pretty sure they presented from the studio nine times out of ten. I've got the Radio Times from that week and Invers is down to present, though the commentators aren't billed. The other sport being covered that day was the MCC vs Worcestershire at Lord's, Racing from Newbury and, as you say, snooker, which Alan Green was going to to after the game. Indeed the Radio Times points out that there were extra sports desks at 11pm and midnight every day for the snooker, it was a big deal at the time.
It may have been Trevor Brooking on the other semi-final because he was there for Match of the Day. In the past Des Lynam has talked about being there with Jimmy Hill and indeed the Radio Times suggests the plan was for the whole of MOTD to be pre-recorded at the grounds, as it says "Desmond Lynam, Jimmy Hill and John Motsonn bring you the action from Hillsborough. Tony Gubba, Trevor Brooking and Barry Davies follow events at Villa Park." That seems a rather odd way to do it, requiring two presenters and two pundits, which might make sense if they were live games but surely not for highlights. But, of course, it never happened.
On the subject of Hillsborough, on the 25th anniversary of the disaster on Tuesday I noticed that talkSPORT were using clips of Graham Beecroft's reports from the game for BBC Radio Merseyside during their news bulletins. I've heard some of these clips on BBC Radio documentaries about the tragedy, but can't remember hearing them on talkSPORT before.
It's very decent of the BBC to allow talkSPORT to use this audio, with Radio Merseyside being more appropriate for their audience than one of the television, other BBC radio or commercial radio commentaries from Hillsborough would be given Beecroft's familiarity to the station's listeners and how he is the man they have always called upon to report on the campaign for justice and now the inquests.
The particular bit of audio I remember them playing on Tuesday was not one of Beecroft's reports as the tragedy was unfolding, but one from a while later after he'd been to the Hillsborough police control room to speak to some of the officers in charge, who'd told him that Liverpool supporters hadn't charged the gate and that what had unfolded had happened because there were too many people in the Leppings Lane end, which was contrary to what some national television broadcasters had reported at the time. The clip I'm talking about is quoted at the beginning of this blog. There and elsewhere, I've seen Beecroft praised for the job he did that day, for taking the time to establish the facts before reporting what he knew to be accurate. It's such a shame that not everyone reported on Hillsborough in this matter.
He did a great job, I know he was fuming at some of the newspaper reporters who were already concocting 'stories' before the players went off
Must also mention poor Bill Arthur who covered it on City, he'd been at Bradford as well
It shows the versatility these guys have, I hope to God no one has to ever cover events like these again
It was indeed John Inverdale, though I doubt he'd have been there, in those days I'm pretty sure they presented from the studio nine times out of ten. I've got the Radio Times from that week and Invers is down to present, though the commentators aren't billed. The other sport being covered that day was the MCC vs Worcestershire at Lord's, Racing from Newbury and, as you say, snooker, which Alan Green was going to to after the game. Indeed the Radio Times points out that there were extra sports desks at 11pm and midnight every day for the snooker, it was a big deal at the time.
It may have been Trevor Brooking on the other semi-final because he was there for Match of the Day. In the past Des Lynam has talked about being there with Jimmy Hill and indeed the Radio Times suggests the plan was for the whole of MOTD to be pre-recorded at the grounds, as it says "Desmond Lynam, Jimmy Hill and John Motsonn bring you the action from Hillsborough. Tony Gubba, Trevor Brooking and Barry Davies follow events at Villa Park." That seems a rather odd way to do it, requiring two presenters and two pundits, which might make sense if they were live games but surely not for highlights. But, of course, it never happened.
I didn't think Invers was there - they tended to only host away from the studio for the Grand National and FA Cup Final. It was unusual that the semi was to get full commentary. 12 months earlier there was some of the second half, as the semis clashed with the National
Des always says Jimmy tapped him on the shoulder at kick off and said 'we get paid for this - it's the best job in the world'. Little did they know what was to come
Alan Green's clips was sad, Peter Jones was at Heysel & Hillsborough and from the sounds of it, never recovered from the second tragedy. Alan said it was very difficult to work together after that because the memories would come flooding back.
I know a lot of people don't like him but that bit was quite moving.
Mark Pougatch handled it tremendously well interviewing two survivors.
BBC London 94.9 has revealed its commentary schedule for the next couple of weeks. Of course, it may change but here it is...
18th April
Charlton v Bolton with Andy Rowley (DAB, digital TV and online)
Harlequins v Leicester - Sara Orchard (online)
19th April
Tottenham v Fulham - Emma Jones and Bradley Allen (FM, DAB, digital TV and online)
West Ham v Crystal Palace - Nick Godwin and James Scowcroft (FM, DAB, digital TV and online)
Wasps v Gloucester - Sara Orchard (online)
21st April
QPR v Watford - Andy Rowley and Bradley Allen (DAB and digital TV)
22nd April
Atletico Madrid v Chelsea (DAB and digital TV)
26th April
QPR v Millwall - Phil Parry and Bradley Allen (FM)
Stoke v Tottenham - Andy Rowley and James Scowcroft (DAB, digital TV and online)
27th April
Crystal Palace v Manchester City (DAB, digital TV and online)
29th April
Charlton v Watford - Phil Parry and Bradley Allen (DAB, digital TV and online)
3rd May
Blackpool v Charlton - Emma Jones and James Scowcroft (DAB, digital TV and online)
West Ham v Tottenham - Phil Parry and Bradley Allen (FM)
Stoke v Fulham - Andy Rowley and Steve Froggatt (DAB, digital TV and online)
Alan Green's clips was sad, Peter Jones was at Heysel & Hillsborough and from the sounds of it, never recovered from the second tragedy. Alan said it was very difficult to work together after that because the memories would come flooding back.
.
I've heard that said before, PJ covered Wimbledon that year then the Commonwealth Games in New Zealand - he was on top form at both. Sad he never got to see the game's revival properly
George Riley presenting & Steve Claridge has been in the studio
SkyBet Championship
Wigan vs Reading - Conor McNamara & Jimmy Armfield
Bournemouth vs Sheff Wed - Alistair Bruce-Ball
Huddersfield vs Brighton - Peter Slater
Charlton vs Bolton - Rob Nothman
Blackburn vs Yeovil - Ian Brown
SkyBet League One
Brentford vs Preston - Johnathan Legard
Crawley vs Leyton Orient - Simon Mann
Wolves vs Rotherham - John Acres
BBC London Digital Charlton v Bolton Emma Jones and Bradley Allen (DAB commentary) Brentford v Preston Billy Reeves Crawley v Leyton Orient Dave Victor AFC Wimbledon v Newport County Alan Seabrook Torquay v Dagenham and Redbridge Stuart Smith
BBC Three Counties Radio Host Geoff Doyle at Wycombe Port Vale v MK Dons Paul Dixon and Luke Ashmead (commentary on 95.5 and 104.5FM) Wycombe v Northampton Phil Catchpole and Steve Brown (commentary on all other frequencies)
BBC Radio Surrey / Sussex Huddersfield v Brighton Adrian Harms and Warren Aspinall (commentary in Sussex) Crawley v Leyton Orient John Barnett and Warren Lucy Aldershot v Salisbury Gavin Dennison (also host) and Jason Campbell (commentary in Surrey) Ebbsfleet v Eastbourne Borough Kevin Anderson
BBC Radio Solent Host Adam Blackmore Bournemouth v Sheffield Wednesday Kris Temple and John Williams (commentary, also on BBC Five Live Sports Extra)
AFC Wimbledon v Newport County - Simon Davies (studio host) Rob Phillips and Iwan Roberts (All frequencies)
BBC Bristol / Somerset
Ed Hadwin (studio host)
Blackburn Rovers v Yeovil Town - Chris Spittles and Chris Sweet (95.5FM)
Bristol City v Notts County - Andy Hoard and Adam Baker (94.9FM / 104.6FM / 1548MW / 1566MW / DAB)
5Live will have commentary on the Real/Bayern 1st leg game with John Murray at both games in Madrid this week & Chris Waddle co-comm at both.
I wasn't sure if they would but I think it's come down to both games being in the same city so it's a no-brainer when there's no domestic games of much note.
I hope they do the 2nd leg but I'm sure this will be determined by the 1st leg result and budget
Danny Kelly and Andy Jacobs, followed by Drive Time with Sam Matterface and Micky Quinn and Kick Off with Richard Keys and Andy Gray from Doha, Qatar
Championship
AFC Bournemouth v Sheffield Wednesday - Ian Abrahams
Charlton Athletic v Bolton Wanderers - Ian Danter
Huddersfield Town v Brighton & Hove Albion - Simon Humphreys
Wigan Athletic v Reading - Dom McGuinness
Blackpool v Burnley - Alan Biggs
Doncaster Rovers v Derby County - Graham Courtney
Rugby Union: Premiership
Harlequins v Leicester Tigers - Russell Hargreaves
Free Radio 80s
Tom Ross presented The Goalzone from Molineux
League One
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Rotherham United - Tom Ross and Andy Thompson (3pm commentary in Birmingham, the Black Country and Shropshire)
While Sam Matterface was incredibly enthusiastic about updating the results affecting Brentford's promotion prospects during the first hour of Drive Time this evening, I must say I thought it was a shame that talkSPORT didn't have reporters at the big games in Leagues One and Two to match their coverage of the bulk of the Championship games. Personally, on Good Friday and Easter Monday I'd rest H&J and Drive Time and stick a Matchday Live on between 1-5pm - perhaps with Ian Danter rather than Adrian Durham and Ray Parlour if that duo is doing the Saturday show - and maybe a Call Kelly-more between 5-7pm before returning to the normal schedule.
Elsewhere, it's incredibly poor that as holders of national radio commentary rights to the Football League, BBC Radio aren't broadcasting commentary on the key Doncaster Rovers v Derby County game either on Radio 5 Live Sports Extra (which in fairness is occupied by Harlequins v Leicester Tigers Premiership rugby union commentary) or Radio 5 Live (which is dedicated to Premier League football chat as usual).
Comments
Mark Saggers presenting Kick-Off: Exclusive from the Etihad Stadium.
PREMIER LEAGUE
Manchester City v Sunderland - Sam Matterface and Stan Collymore, with Dominic McGuiness pitchside (commentary)
Everton v Crystal Palace - Graham Beecroft
BBC LONDON
PREMIER LEAGUE
Everton v Crystal Palace - Andy Rowley and Steve Froggatt (DAB commentary)
BBC RADIO MANCHESTER
PREMIER LEAGUE
Manchester City v Sunderland - Ian Cheeseman and Shaun Goater (commentary)
BBC RADIO MERSEYSIDE
PREMIER LEAGUE
Everton v Crystal Palace - Mike Hughes and Ronny Goodlass (commentary)
Agreed, he's not been around too much, I think he had a knee op so probably just isn't up to it, he might have a studio based role (possibly in the UK)
Radio Wales' Simon Davies (also host) and Faye White for BBC Five Live Sports Xtra
Premier League
Everton v Crystal Palace - Russell Hargreaves
Manchester City v Sunderland - Dan Wheeler and Jason Euell (featured 7.45pm commentary on international radio stations)
Man City vs Sunderland - Conor McNamara & Shay Given
Everton vs Palace - Ian Brown & Pat Nevin
I think John Inverdale presented Sport on 2 on that day. They made a late decision to drop the Sports Report theme music (Out of the Blue).
It sounded like someone I know and that makes sense
I'm listening to 5Live's Hillsborough documentary and it's fantastically well put together and wonderfully handled by Mark Pougatch with some very sad memories from Alan Green.
I can't recall if Inverdale was there at the time, probably not. Commentary was due to be Alan Green & PeterJones, with Jimmy Armfield.
At Villa Park was Mike Ingham and Bryon Butler (cannot recall the summeriser, but may have been Trevor Brooking)
Alan used to cover the Snooker at The Crucible in those days so this was due to be his last game for a couple of weeks.
When the game was played at Old Trafford, it was a Sunday lunchtime, I have no idea who were the comms, i *think* PJ was given a break from football, not sure
It's very decent of the BBC to allow talkSPORT to use this audio, with Radio Merseyside being more appropriate for their audience than one of the television, other BBC radio or commercial radio commentaries from Hillsborough would be given Beecroft's familiarity to the station's listeners and how he is the man they have always called upon to report on the campaign for justice and now the inquests.
The particular bit of audio I remember them playing on Tuesday was not one of Beecroft's reports as the tragedy was unfolding, but one from a while later after he'd been to the Hillsborough police control room to speak to some of the officers in charge, who'd told him that Liverpool supporters hadn't charged the gate and that what had unfolded had happened because there were too many people in the Leppings Lane end, which was contrary to what some national television broadcasters had reported at the time. The clip I'm talking about is quoted at the beginning of this blog. There and elsewhere, I've seen Beecroft praised for the job he did that day, for taking the time to establish the facts before reporting what he knew to be accurate. It's such a shame that not everyone reported on Hillsborough in this matter.
It was indeed John Inverdale, though I doubt he'd have been there, in those days I'm pretty sure they presented from the studio nine times out of ten. I've got the Radio Times from that week and Invers is down to present, though the commentators aren't billed. The other sport being covered that day was the MCC vs Worcestershire at Lord's, Racing from Newbury and, as you say, snooker, which Alan Green was going to to after the game. Indeed the Radio Times points out that there were extra sports desks at 11pm and midnight every day for the snooker, it was a big deal at the time.
It may have been Trevor Brooking on the other semi-final because he was there for Match of the Day. In the past Des Lynam has talked about being there with Jimmy Hill and indeed the Radio Times suggests the plan was for the whole of MOTD to be pre-recorded at the grounds, as it says "Desmond Lynam, Jimmy Hill and John Motsonn bring you the action from Hillsborough. Tony Gubba, Trevor Brooking and Barry Davies follow events at Villa Park." That seems a rather odd way to do it, requiring two presenters and two pundits, which might make sense if they were live games but surely not for highlights. But, of course, it never happened.
He did a great job, I know he was fuming at some of the newspaper reporters who were already concocting 'stories' before the players went off
Must also mention poor Bill Arthur who covered it on City, he'd been at Bradford as well
It shows the versatility these guys have, I hope to God no one has to ever cover events like these again
I didn't think Invers was there - they tended to only host away from the studio for the Grand National and FA Cup Final. It was unusual that the semi was to get full commentary. 12 months earlier there was some of the second half, as the semis clashed with the National
Des always says Jimmy tapped him on the shoulder at kick off and said 'we get paid for this - it's the best job in the world'. Little did they know what was to come
I know a lot of people don't like him but that bit was quite moving.
Mark Pougatch handled it tremendously well interviewing two survivors.
18th April
Charlton v Bolton with Andy Rowley (DAB, digital TV and online)
Harlequins v Leicester - Sara Orchard (online)
19th April
Tottenham v Fulham - Emma Jones and Bradley Allen (FM, DAB, digital TV and online)
West Ham v Crystal Palace - Nick Godwin and James Scowcroft (FM, DAB, digital TV and online)
Wasps v Gloucester - Sara Orchard (online)
21st April
QPR v Watford - Andy Rowley and Bradley Allen (DAB and digital TV)
22nd April
Atletico Madrid v Chelsea (DAB and digital TV)
26th April
QPR v Millwall - Phil Parry and Bradley Allen (FM)
Stoke v Tottenham - Andy Rowley and James Scowcroft (DAB, digital TV and online)
27th April
Crystal Palace v Manchester City (DAB, digital TV and online)
29th April
Charlton v Watford - Phil Parry and Bradley Allen (DAB, digital TV and online)
3rd May
Blackpool v Charlton - Emma Jones and James Scowcroft (DAB, digital TV and online)
West Ham v Tottenham - Phil Parry and Bradley Allen (FM)
Stoke v Fulham - Andy Rowley and Steve Froggatt (DAB, digital TV and online)
I've heard that said before, PJ covered Wimbledon that year then the Commonwealth Games in New Zealand - he was on top form at both. Sad he never got to see the game's revival properly
BBC WM
BBC WM Sport with Paul Franks Live from The Molineux
League One
Richard Wilford and Paul Franks: Wolverhampton Wanderers v Rotterdam United
Tom Marlow: Carlisle United v Walsall
I thought the UEFA Nations League was an international competition?
;-)
George Riley presenting & Steve Claridge has been in the studio
SkyBet Championship
Wigan vs Reading - Conor McNamara & Jimmy Armfield
Bournemouth vs Sheff Wed - Alistair Bruce-Ball
Huddersfield vs Brighton - Peter Slater
Charlton vs Bolton - Rob Nothman
Blackburn vs Yeovil - Ian Brown
SkyBet League One
Brentford vs Preston - Johnathan Legard
Crawley vs Leyton Orient - Simon Mann
Wolves vs Rotherham - John Acres
Sky Bet League 2
Wycombe vs Northampton - Steve May
Charlton v Bolton Emma Jones and Bradley Allen (DAB commentary)
Brentford v Preston Billy Reeves
Crawley v Leyton Orient Dave Victor
AFC Wimbledon v Newport County Alan Seabrook
Torquay v Dagenham and Redbridge Stuart Smith
BBC Three Counties Radio
Host Geoff Doyle at Wycombe
Port Vale v MK Dons Paul Dixon and Luke Ashmead (commentary on 95.5 and 104.5FM)
Wycombe v Northampton Phil Catchpole and Steve Brown (commentary on all other frequencies)
BBC Radio Surrey / Sussex
Huddersfield v Brighton Adrian Harms and Warren Aspinall (commentary in Sussex)
Crawley v Leyton Orient John Barnett and Warren Lucy
Aldershot v Salisbury Gavin Dennison (also host) and Jason Campbell (commentary in Surrey)
Ebbsfleet v Eastbourne Borough Kevin Anderson
BBC Radio Solent
Host Adam Blackmore
Bournemouth v Sheffield Wednesday Kris Temple and John Williams (commentary, also on BBC Five Live Sports Extra)
AFC Wimbledon v Newport County - Simon Davies (studio host) Rob Phillips and Iwan Roberts (All frequencies)
BBC Bristol / Somerset
Ed Hadwin (studio host)
Blackburn Rovers v Yeovil Town - Chris Spittles and Chris Sweet (95.5FM)
Bristol City v Notts County - Andy Hoard and Adam Baker (94.9FM / 104.6FM / 1548MW / 1566MW / DAB)
I wasn't sure if they would but I think it's come down to both games being in the same city so it's a no-brainer when there's no domestic games of much note.
I hope they do the 2nd leg but I'm sure this will be determined by the 1st leg result and budget
Danny Kelly and Andy Jacobs, followed by Drive Time with Sam Matterface and Micky Quinn and Kick Off with Richard Keys and Andy Gray from Doha, Qatar
Championship
AFC Bournemouth v Sheffield Wednesday - Ian Abrahams
Charlton Athletic v Bolton Wanderers - Ian Danter
Huddersfield Town v Brighton & Hove Albion - Simon Humphreys
Wigan Athletic v Reading - Dom McGuinness
Blackpool v Burnley - Alan Biggs
Doncaster Rovers v Derby County - Graham Courtney
Rugby Union: Premiership
Harlequins v Leicester Tigers - Russell Hargreaves
Free Radio 80s
Tom Ross presented The Goalzone from Molineux
League One
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Rotherham United - Tom Ross and Andy Thompson (3pm commentary in Birmingham, the Black Country and Shropshire)
While Sam Matterface was incredibly enthusiastic about updating the results affecting Brentford's promotion prospects during the first hour of Drive Time this evening, I must say I thought it was a shame that talkSPORT didn't have reporters at the big games in Leagues One and Two to match their coverage of the bulk of the Championship games. Personally, on Good Friday and Easter Monday I'd rest H&J and Drive Time and stick a Matchday Live on between 1-5pm - perhaps with Ian Danter rather than Adrian Durham and Ray Parlour if that duo is doing the Saturday show - and maybe a Call Kelly-more between 5-7pm before returning to the normal schedule.
Elsewhere, it's incredibly poor that as holders of national radio commentary rights to the Football League, BBC Radio aren't broadcasting commentary on the key Doncaster Rovers v Derby County game either on Radio 5 Live Sports Extra (which in fairness is occupied by Harlequins v Leicester Tigers Premiership rugby union commentary) or Radio 5 Live (which is dedicated to Premier League football chat as usual).