Burton Albion Football Club

HOW DID YOU GET INTO FOOTBALL COMMENTATING?

Like many commentators I started off at hospital radio which is always a great way to learn the basics. From there I went to university, joined the student radio station there and things really began to take off! I got the bug and haven't looked back since! 

 

DID YOU GROW UP BEING A FOOTBALL FAN AND WHO INTRODUCED YOU TO THE GAME?

I've been a fan as far back as I can remember. The family has a long history of following the game so I was kicking a ball about in the back garden probably as soon as I could walk! My dad has many thousands of programmes from his time as a sports reporter too so you could say the game is in the blood! 

 

WHAT TEAM DID YOU FOLLOW AS A BOY? 

Wycombe Wanderers are my local team and I had a season ticket at Adams Park for a number of years (and was at the heartbreaking playoff final last season!) The family is traditionally from Liverpool though, and there is a strong affinity with the red half of Merseyside. 

 

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST BURTON ALBION MATCH?

You'd have to go back to 2011, when the Brewers travelled to Adams Park under Paul Peschisolido and were beaten 4-1. Sam Winnall was the Burton goal scorer that evening. 

 

WHAT WAS IT LIKE FOLLOWING THE BREWERS LAST SEASON?

A pleasure and privilege. They were probably the best team I've seen at League 2 level and to come through the change of managers to romp to the title in style was remarkable. A thoroughly likeable club, set of players, staff and fans. A commentator's dream! 

 

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY FROM LAST SEASON?

There are a couple that stand out. The celebrations after Nasser El Khayati's winner against Southend were spectacular - I think at that point everyone became fully aware that, especially in the context of that game, Burton were destined for promotion. The day at Cambridge was fantastic and it was particularly nice to be able to interview Ben Robinson on the Abbey Stadium pitch - he's seen it all, and that day was his just reward. 

 

WHICH COMMENTATORS DO YOU ADMIRE? 

Plenty! On TV, Martin Tyler is still the best and his Sky colleague Rob Hawthorne (who is a really lovely guy and has been very helpful to me personally) is excellent. On the radio, Alan Green has the gravitas for the biggest games, and Sam Matterface has developed a really slick style on talksport. There are many others though, not to mention my BBC Radio Derby colleagues! 

 

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PIECE OF FOOTBALL COMMENTARY?

Mike Ingham's final match - the 2015 World Cup final was a triumph, and of course, he called Mario Gotze's winner perfectly. And I know it's an obvious one but Martin Tyler's shriek of 'Aguerooooo' as Manchester City clinched the Premier League title was one of the most memorable I've heard! On a slightly different note, Peter Jones' words in the immediate aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster, when finding any words at all would've been difficult for most, was a truly great piece of broadcasting. 

 

WHAT’S YOUR BEST PIECE OF COMMENTARY?

There were a couple of memorable moments last season that as a commentator you're always looking for, and the trophy presentation was fantastic, but if I had to pick something specific it would probably be my goal commentary for Florent Cuvelier's dramatic winner at Hartlepool! To be honest though a mistake free game often provides as much satisfaction as calling the big moments well - you're only ever as good as the next game. 

 

HOW DO YOU THINK THE BREWERS WILL DO THIS SEASON?

I honestly think they will surprise many people. The general perception will be of 'little old Burton' as one of the league's smallest clubs but with the strength of the current squad, carefully assembled by a highly organised and capable management team, I'm confident that the side can surpass expectations - they certainly aren't here to make up the numbers.

 

WHICH GAMES ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?

For me, it's got to be the away trips to the likes of Wigan, Sheffield United, Blackpool and Coventry - big clubs with superb stadia and proud histories, but they will start as equals with the Brewers on the pitch, and that's a testament to this club's remarkable rise. I'm also looking forward to the visit to Millwall as its my shortest trip of the season! 

 

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE RADIO DERBY COVERAGE THIS SEASON?

Bigger and better. Live commentary on every Brewers fixture for the 2015/2016 season and in depth reaction from Jimmy and the players post match. We're also increasing our social media activity this season with a BBC Derby Sport Facebook page as well as our Twitter feed for all the latest Brewers news. There will be Burton dedicated shows on Wednesday evenings too, and supporters can get in touch with the station after every match to have their say by tweeting us @bbcderbysport or texting to 81333 (start your message with DERBY and a space).