BBC Radio Scotland - Saturday 8th May 2010

Sportsound presented by Richard Gordon live from Rugby Park, before the start of the Airdrie game when he'd head back to the Pacific Quay studios.

However Annie MacGuire ended up hosting during half time of the Airdrie game as Richard was late back!

3pm Kickoffs (SFL Playoffs)

Commentary
Airdrie United v. Brechin City - Liam MacLeod, Derek Ferguson & Allan Preston with Charlie Mann pitchside

Reporters
Alloa Athletic v. Cowdenbeath -Brian MacLaughlin
Arbroath v. Queen's Park - David McDaid (On the phone)
Forfar v. East Stirlingshire - Jim Spence (On the phone)

As a note, Chris MacLaughlin was supposed to be pitchside for St Mirren v Aberdeen match, however he thought it was a 3PM kickoff and only showed up at half time!

Yeah - no surprise really, he lives in the area (Abertillery *I think*). As for the way he looks, he just looks like your typical Valleys Uncle.

BBC Radio Bristol / Somerset

Geoff Twentymann hosting

Leeds United V Bristol Rovers - Richard Hoskin and Keith Brookman (94.9FM / 1566MW / DAB)
Brighton & Hove Albion V Yeovil Town - Ed Hadwin and Chris Sweet (95.5FM)
Bath V Leeds (Guinness Premiership RU) - Andrew Sheridan and David Barnes (104.6FM / 1548MW / Online)

Bath City's Blue Square South Play off Final V Woking (KO 3pm) will be on 1548MW and Online tomorrow, also Real Radio South Wales will also carry commentary of Cardiff City's play off first leg Vs Leicester City (coverage starts at 12noon). As I'll be at the game, Does anyone fancy putting themselves forward to post who the commentators are for both matches?

talkSPORT

Ian Danter presenting Matchday Live, followed by Kick-Off: Premier League Preview with Jason Cundy and Tony Cascarino.

Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg
Blackpool v Nottingham Forest - Graham Beecroft

League One
Leeds v Bristol Rovers - Graham Courtney Stan Collymore
Millwall v Swindon - Mike Bovill
Norwich v Carlisle - Kevin Lawrence
Wycombe v Gillingham - Andrew McKenna

League Two
Barnet v Rochdale - Ian Abrahams
Burton v Grimsby - John Temple

Scottish Premier League
Kilmarnock v Falkirk - Mark Donaldson

Guinness Premiership
Bath v Leeds - Simon Ward
London Irish v Northampton - Russell Hargreaves

World Twenty20: Super Eights
England v South Africa - Jack Bannister

Saturday 8th May - BBC WM

Mike Taylor presenting WM Sport from the Banks's Stadium

League One
Walsall v MK Dons - Richard Wilford and Mike Taylor (commentary)


A real treat for Saddlers fans after 5.30pm today, as WM played the second half of their Walsall Review of the Season from their 2000/01 Division Two Play-Off winning campaign, narrated by a young-sounding Mike Taylor.

Commentary clips were voiced by Taylor, Richard Wilford, Dan Wheeler, Clive Eakin, Tim Beech, Nick Clitheroe and Andrew Dawkins, including:

16/05/01 - Division Two Play-Off Semi Final Second Leg - Walsall v Stoke City - Tim Beech, Mike Taylor and Mick Kearns (commentary)

27/05/01 - Division Two Play-Off Final - Walsall v Reading - Dan Wheeler, Richard Wilford and Mick Kearns (commentary), with Tim Beech presenting/commentating on the trophy presentation and Mike Taylor interviewing at pitchside


As you can see, WM were still using the three person, Five Live style commentary system for their live commentaries back in 2000/01.

Not sure when they switched to using two man tandems for all of their commentaries as they do today, but I'm sure it was before Mark Regan succeeded Tim Beech as WM's Sports Editor at the start of 2003/04.

Ray Houghton was co-hosting alongside Ian Danter in the studio on Matchday Live today.

From what I heard (I was at a game but listened briefly on my headphones for updates on the promotion/relegation issues), talkSPORT only took updates from Russell at London Irish when it came to the Guinness Premiership, with him rounding up the other games for them as well ala Mark Donaldson on the SPL.


Some details about the back end of The Wolf's coverage of Wolverhampton Wanderers, which were kindly sent onto me by Dave Rowe.

Although Bill and Pete were once The Wolf's commentary team IIRC, their commentary team for their last two seasons (2004/05 and 2005/06) of covering Wolves was George Andrews and Ray Crowther.

Mark Tompkins was The Wolf's studio host in 2004/05, with Dave Rowe (having joined from BBC Hereford & Worcester) taking up the reigns the following season.

About halfway through the season Dave started hosting the show from the grounds rather than The Wolf's studio, before then their presentation was always studio based. IMO it was perhaps an odd decision to do so at such a late stage of their run given that Beacon purchased Wolves' commercial radio rights from them at the start of 2006/07 and have held them ever since.

As to what happened to their coverage team, Dave Rowe did his first game for talkSPORT in October 2006 and has been a Midlands football reporter for them ever since, Mark Tompkins went on to do commentaries on Reading 107FM and continues to do matches for UEFA.com while George Andrews followed the rights to Beacon.

Andrews was Beacon's Walsall reporter in 2006/07, although in future seasons was succeeded in that role by Geoff Owen and Steve Hermon before they stopped doing Saddlers updates this season what with the Orion takeover and their decision to network football coverage between Beacon, BRMB and Mercia.

Simon Ward's ISDN box decided to die, which is probably why he didn't appear on talkSPORT this afternoon. He appeared on BBC Radio Leicester, at half-time and full-time but via his mobile phone.

BBC Radio Leeds
studio: Nick Hatton

Exeter City verses Huddersfield Town (92.4, 95.3 and 102.7 FM)
commentator: Paul Ogdon
summariser: Kieran O'Regan

Crew Alexandra verses Bradford City (AM)
commentator: Derm Tanner
summariser: ?

(103.9 FM and DAB)
Leeds United verses Bristol Rovers
coverage: Adam Pope and Andy Ritchie


Yorkshire Radio (DAB) and Minster FM)
Leeds United verses Bristol Rovers
host: Michael Weadock
commentator: Tom Kirwin
summariser: Eddie Gray


The Pulse
Crew Alexandra verses Bradford City
commentator: Tim Thornton
Summariser: Mark Ellice


BBC Radio Humberside
host: David Burns
Burton Albion verses Grimsby Town
commentators: John Tondeur and David Burns
summariser: George Kerr
reporter: Matt Dean

Quite a few of the early Gold stations took the Network Chart, though - it was still on Capital Gold in 1992, and I remember it being on Coast AM which was the Kent oldies station. Presumably it took a while to get used to the idea of broadcasting something else at that time. For a while before the launch of Classic FM, Savile's Travels may have been the most widely-distributed commercial radio show other than the Network Chart, often broadcast in direct competition to Pick of the Pops on Radio 1, though the number of stations taking it had diminished by its end in 1997.


On the contrary, he did quite a few football commentaries - often covering England v Wales internationals alongside Raymond Glendenning, Alan Clarke et al, as well as occasional Saturday afternoon league commentaries in the 60s. He also commentated on Wales at the 1958 World Cup - "assisted" by Gerald Sinstadt on one occasion. So it almost certainly was him.

As stated, Barry Davies did the network commentary for Wales v Romania in 1993. I wasn't really into football at the time, but I'm pretty sure I remember some controversy when network BBC1 went to the game before the England match had finished - but it was the right decision, because England never achieved the margin of seven clear goals that might have saved them, and it was also apparent that the Netherlands were not going to lose in Poland.

Did Humberside have reports from Barnet v Rochdale, perhaps using BBC London's or even Five Live's reporter at the game? After all, even if Grimsby had won the eventual result from that game would have ensured that they went down.

Going back a *long* way, this, but David Coleman (then in his early days as frontman of Grandstand) reported as part of the 1959 election coverage which BBC Parliament showed on its 50th anniversary last year.

BBC Radio Leicester

Martin Ballard presenting Sportstime live from the Walkers Stadium.

Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg
Leicester City v Cardiff City - Ian Stringer, John Sinclair and Steve Walsh, with Martin Ballard pitchside (commentary)

Did 5 Live not have a reporter at the SPL games yesterday?

Terry Dolan I think

Yes, agreed.

I was listening to talkSPORT while being at a match yesterday, but had I known Five Live were providing such a comprehensive service - it looks like they had a reporter at literally every match that mattered in League One and Two - I would have given them a go.

On talkSPORT's coverage, Ian, Ray and the reporters did a fine job as usual but I was a little disappointed that they didn't have more representation in the lower leagues yesterday.

I was surprised they didn't have a reporter at either Oldham v Charlton or Accrington v Cheltenham given that had results gone a certain way, Charlton could have been promoted to the Championship with Cheltenham heading out of the league. Surely they'd have wanted to be there had either of those possibilities become reality.

I can understand why they didn't have representation covering the numerous teams in a cluttered play-off picture in League Two or even in the League One relegation battle bar Wycombe v Gillingham, but surely having someone at Boundary Park or the Crown Ground would have been better than sending Kev Lawrence to the dead rubber between Norwich and Carlisle?


I'd be surprised if Simon Brotherton is commentating for Five Live on England v Mexico or England v Japan, the reason being that I don't think they'd use someone on the pre-World Cup friendlies who won't be involved in their World Cup coverage itself.

Personally I think if Mike Ingham/John Murray is teamed up with someone other than Alan Green for these games, then it'll be Ian Dennis or Darren Fletcher.


This is interesting news but I can't see Ian Payne joining Absolute whatsoever.

Aside from anchoring those Saturday 3pm games, that station can offer him virtually nothing else so he'd have to be freelancing elsewhere during the week.

Besides, the one area of their upcoming Premier League coverage Absolute seem to have sorted already is their anchorman. In Russ Williams, Absolute have a more than acceptable football frontman who is also their longest-serving weekday presenter.

In my opinion it would be stupid to axe Russ from Saturday afternoons, it's not a change that needs to be made.

Personally I think a return to Five Live would be the best fit for Ian Payne. He seemed to leave that station on good terms back in 2003, and I suspect he would be welcomed back with open arms.

Now that Colin Murray is to take over Match of the Day 2 from next season, Five Live will surely need a new Sunday Sport on Five presenter. With Ian Payne suddenly coming back on the market...well I'll let you draw your own conclusions.

As for the chances of Payne joining talkSPORT, well this is something I really don't want to see happening.

Not only do I not rate Payne, but I feel talkSPORT have more than enough live football presenters as it is - Adrian Durham, Mark Saggers, Ian Danter and Danny Kelly is a fine line-up for up to four live commentaries per week.

Bringing in Payne would only serve to further marginalise excellent broadcasters like Danter and Kelly, which IMO would be a real shame.

Speaking of talkSPORT, they are now trailing their coverage of Fulham v Atletico Madrid in the Europa League Final. They will be doing live commentary but their trailers don't name any of their coverage team.

Given recent form, I think Mark Chapman is nailed on to be the Sunday sports presenter. Possibly the Friday night one too although Murray could retain that (or Payne could do that!)

I think that's a possibility, and personally speaking I wouldn't mind Russell Fuller being given a chance somewhere in their schedule.

I noticed Russell hosted the Bank Holiday Monday Five Live Sport and he is someone I've long rated and feel has been unlucky to be overlooked in favour of IMO inferior presenters.

But given that Ian Payne has decided to leave Sky Sports unexpectedly so soon after Colin Murray has been "promoted" to BBC TV, well it does lead you to think a Five Live return could be on the cards for Ian.

Just as long as he doesn't join talkSPORT or Absolute I'll be happy.

talkSPORT have more than enough good football presenters so don't need Payne, and the same applies to Absolute who should stay loyal to Russ Williams. I am sure he will do a fine job as a live football presenter if given the chance next season.

Sunday 9th May - BBC Radio Wales

Steve James presenting Radio Wales Sport from the Walkers Stadium alongside Andy Legg

Championship Play-Off Semi Final First Leg
Leicester City v Cardiff City - Rob Phillips and Kevin Ratcliffe (commentary), with Ian Hunt at pitchside

BBC Radio Scotland

Sportsound presented by Richard Gordon

Rangers v Motherwell (810 mw) - David Begg, Derek Ferguson and Sandy Clark, Chick Young trackside
Hearts v Celtic (online) - Rob MacLean and Murdo MacLeod
Dundee United v Hibernian (online) - Scott Davie and Craig Paterson, Jim Spence trackside

I actually prefer Champman to Payne

Fuller does the Saturday afternoon program on BBC World Service (and possibly others but I don't know)

I'd be glad to have Ian Payne back, and Sundays would be a good slot for him, I agree with bwfcol that Mark Chapman has done very well, perhaps he could add Friday's to his Monday show, so he effectively does the weekend review/preview shows.

Whatever combination it'll probably still be a bit 'messy' during the week, I preferred it when they had the same presenter every night (or at least Monday - Thursday).

EDIT just read a blog on the 5 Live website stating that Colin Murray will continue with his Sunday show and MOTD2.

Also says Pougatch and Chapman will host the majority of WC matches but Ian Dennis and Arlo White will also do some presenting.

Finally off topic but it says Richard Bacon will host Wimbledon along side Clare Balding. Never understood why Clare needs a co-host, she was fine on her own in 2002 but especially this year when there's a big overlap with the WC and there'll be presumably much less tennis on air.

As I mentioned earlier, Emma Jones was reporting on Barnet v Rochdale for BBC Radio Humberside.

Roddy Forsyth reported on Kilmarnock v Falkirk

Sunday 8th May


talkSPORT

Adrian Durham presenting Matchday Live from Stamford Bridge, followed by Call Collymore with Stan Collymore at Old Trafford

Premier League
Arsenal v Fulham - Mike Bovill
Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers - Kev Lawrence
Bolton Wanderers v Birmingham City - Simon Humphreys
Burnley v Tottenham Hotspur - Grahame Lloyd and Alvin Martin
Chelsea v Wigan Athletic - Ian Abrahams and Ray Houghton, with Adrian Durham presenting
Everton v Portsmouth - Dave Rowe
Hull City v Liverpool - Graham Courtney
Manchester United v Stoke City - Nigel Pearson and Stan Collymore (commentary), with Dom McGuinness at pitchside
West Ham United v Manchester City - Ian Danter and Ray Parlour
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Sunderland - Andy Clarke

Championship Play-Off Semi Final First Leg
Leicester City v Cardiff City - Geoff Peters

Scottish Premier League
Hearts v Celtic - Mark Donaldson

Formula 1: Spanish Grand Prix
Circuit de Catalunya - Andrew McKenna

Cricket: ICC World Twenty20 Super Eights
West Indies v India - Lisa O'Sullivan
Australia v Sri Lanka - Jack Bannister



BBC WM

Paul Franks presenting WM Sport from Molineux

Premier League
Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers - Mark Regan, with Jane France interviewing the fans outside Villa Park
Bolton Wanderers v Birmingham City - Rob Gurney and Dan Wheeler (DAB in Birmingham commentary)
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Sunderland - Richard Wilford and Paul Franks (95.6FM commentary)



BRMB/Beacon 97.2FM (Black Country) and 103.1FM (Shropshire)/Gold 1152AM (Birmingham)

Tom Ross presenting The Goalzone from the Reebok Stadium

Premier League
Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers - Mikey Burrows and Pat Heard (Gold commentary)
Bolton Wanderers v Birmingham City - Tom Ross and Jon McCarthy (BRMB commentary)
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Sunderland - Bill Hatton and Robbie Dennison (Beacon commentary)



Today FM (Ireland)

Michael McMullan presenting Premier League Live (alongside Mark Lawrenson from Stamford Bridge between 3-4pm), being joined by Mick Martin (from Stamford Bridge) for Live After Six

Premier League
Arsenal v Fulham - Russell Hargreaves
Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers - Alan Tolley
Bolton Wanderers v Birmingham City - Gordon Cox
Burnley v Tottenham Hotspur - Jake Katborg
Chelsea v Wigan Athletic - Ron Jones and Mick Martin (commentary), with Mark Lawrenson pre-match
Everton v Portsmouth - Steve Roberts
Hull City v Liverpool - Bob Crosby
Manchester United v Stoke City - Ian Beach
West Ham United v Manchester City - Graham Miller
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Sunderland - Ken Daley

On Today FM, their online stream has just cut out but from listening to some of the build-up (including the handover to the commentators), it doesn't sound as if they are planning to cut away from Chelsea v Wigan in order to take commentary on Manchester United v Stoke should the action dictate this would be a good move.

There is no co-commentator/pundit alongside Ian Beach (their second choice commentator after Ron Jones) at Old Trafford.

I was wondering if they were in the enviable position of being able to jump between commentary on both matches, which neither talkSPORT or Five Live are able to do due to the radio rights situation in the UK, but even if they can it doesn't appear as if they'll be doing so anyway.