Commentary

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk about their commentary travels. Did John get his usual table in Madrid? Are English teams underperforming in the Champions League? The guys have their say on the Premier League title race and Igor Tudor still being at Tottenham Hotspur. Plus more unintended pub names, a royally good Clash of the Commentators and more of your Glossary terms and phrases. Messages, questions and voicenotes on WhatsApp to 08000 289 369 & emails to [email protected] 03:30 John’s special table in Madrid, 05:50 Have English teams underperformed in Champions League? 09:40 John’s Spanish sherry tip-off, 12:30 Will we get more singing on the pod? 15:45 5 Live commentaries this weekend, 20:45 Surprised Tudor is still at Spurs? 24:30 Ali makes fool of himself at Wrexham, 31:10 Unintended pub names, 35:35 Clash of the Commentators, 40:25 Great Glossary of Football Commentary. 5 Live / BBC Sounds commentaries: Sat 1500 Burnley v Bournemouth on Sports Extra with Ali Bruce-Ball & Leon Osman, Sat 1500 Sunderland v Brighton on Sports Extra 2, Sat 1730 Arsenal v Everton with Conor McNamara and Pat Nevin, Sat 1730 Chelsea v Newcastle on Sports Extra, Sun 1400 Man Utd v Aston Villa with John Murray & Dion Dublin, Sun 1400 Forest v Fulham on Sports Extra, Sun 1400 Palace v Leeds on Sports Extra 2, Sun 1415 Women’s League Cup Final Man Utd v Chelsea on Sports Extra 3, Sun 1630 Liverpool v Spurs with Vicki Sparks & Clinton Morrison. Great Glossary of Football Commentary: DIVISION ONE Agricultural challenge, Back of the net, Back to square one, Booked, Bosman, Bullet header, Channel of joy, Coupon buster, Cruyff Turn, Cultured/educated left foot, Dead-ball specialist, Draught excluder, Elastico/flip-flap, False nine, Fox in the box, Giving the goalkeeper the eyes, Grub hunter, Head tennis, Hibs it, In a good moment, In behind, Magic of the FA Cup, The Maradona, Off their line, Olimpico, Onion bag, Panenka, Park the bus, Perfect hat-trick, Put his cap on it, Rabona, Roy of the Rovers stuff, Schmeichel-style, Scorpion kick, Spursy, Stick it in the mixer, Sweeper keeper, Target man, Tiki-taka, Towering header, Trivela, Where the kookaburra sleeps, Where the owl sleeps, Where the spiders sleep. DIVISION TWO 2-0 can be a dangerous score, Asterisk, Back on the grass, Ball stays hit, Beaten all ends up, Blaze over the bar, Business end, Came down with snow on it, Catching practice, Camped in the opposition half, Cauldron atmosphere Coat is on a shoogly peg, Come back to haunt them, Corridor of uncertainty, Couldn’t sort their feet out, Easy tap-in, Daisy-cutter, First cab off the rank, Giant-killing, Good leave, Good touch for a big man, Half-turn, Has that in his locker, High wide and not very handsome, Hospital pass, Howler, In the dugout, In the hat, In their pocket, Johnny on the spot, Lackadaisical, Leading the line, Leather a shot, Middle of the park, Needed no second invitation, Nice headache to have, No-look pass, Nutmeg, On their bike, One for the cameras, One for the purists, Played us off the park, Points to the spot, Prawn sandwich brigade, Purple patch, Put their laces through it, Queensbury rules, Reaches for their pocket, Rolls Royce, Root and branch review, Row Z, Screamer, Seats on the plane, Show across the bows, Slide-rule pass, Staving off relegation, Steal a march, Straight in the bread basket, Stramash, Taking one for the team, Telegraphed that pass, Tired legs, That’s great… (football), Thunderous strike, Turns on a sixpence, Walk it in, We’ve got a cup tie on our hands.

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk football, travel & language. They look ahead to what could be a landmark weekend for James Milner and get correspondence from a couple who listen to TCV in bed. Plus unintended pub and film names, Clash of the Commentators and the Great Glossary of Football Commentary. Suggestions and questions always welcome on WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369 & emails to [email protected] 01:10 Private Eye Colemanballs 02:30 John Murray caught in the wild 05:35 Commentaries this weekend 10:10 Owners and fans pulling in different directions? 12:20 James Milner in for landmark weekend? 17:25 TCV pillowtalk 21:15 John’s surprise greeting 24:15 Unintended pub names 29:30 Clash of the Commentators 38:20 Great Glossary of Football Commentary 50:45 How to keep a dead game interesting 5 Live / BBC Sounds commentaries: Sat 1500 Arsenal v Sunderland, Sat 1500 Bournemouth v Villa on Sports Extra, Sat 1730 Newcastle v Brentford, Sun 1400 Brighton v Palace, Sun 1630 Liverpool v Man City. Great Glossary of Football Commentary: DIVISION ONE 2-0 can be a dangerous score, Agricultural challenge, Back of the net, Back to square one, Bosman, Bullet header, Cruyff Turn, Cultured/educated left foot, Dead-ball specialist, Draught excluder, Elastico/flip-flap, False nine, Fox in the box, Giving the goalkeeper the eyes, Grub hunter, Head tennis, Hibs it, In a good moment, In behind, Magic of the FA Cup, Middle of the park, The Maradona, Off their line, Olimpico, Onion bag, Panenka, Park the bus, Perfect hat-trick, Rabona, Roy of the Rovers stuff, Schmeichel-style, Scorpion kick, Spursy, Stick it in the mixer, Target man, Tiki-taka, Towering header, Trivela, Where the kookaburra sleeps, Where the owl sleeps, Where the spiders sleep. DIVISION TWO Back on the grass, Ball stays hit, Beaten all ends up, Blaze over the bar, Business end, Came down with snow on it, Catching practice, Camped in the opposition half, Cauldron atmosphere Coat is on a shoogly peg, Come back to haunt them, Corridor of uncertainty, Couldn’t sort their feet out, Easy tap-in, Daisy-cutter, First cab off the rank, Giant-killing, Good leave, Good touch for a big man, Half-turn, Has that in his locker, High wide and not very handsome, Hospital pass, Howler, In the dugout, In their pocket, Johnny on the spot, Leading the line, Leather a shot, Needed no second invitation, Nice headache to have, Nutmeg, On their bike, One for the cameras, One for the purists, Played us off the park, Points to the spot, Prawn sandwich brigade, Purple patch, Put their laces through it, Reaches for their pocket, Rolls Royce, Root and branch review, Row Z, Screamer, Seats on the plane, Show across the bows, Slide-rule pass, Steal a march, Straight in the bread basket, Stramash, Taking one for the team, Telegraphed that pass, Tired legs, That’s great… (football), Thunderous strike, Turns on a sixpence, Walk it in, We’ve got a cup tie on our hands. UNSORTED After you Claude, All-Premier League affair, Aplomb, Bag/box of tricks, Brace, Brandished, Bread and butter, Breaking the deadlock, Bundled over the line, Champions elect / champions apparent, Clinical finish, Commentator’s curse, Coupon buster, Denied by the woodwork, Draught excluder, Elimination line, Fellow countryman, Foot race, Formerly of this parish, Free hit, Goalkeepers’ Union, Goalmouth scramble, Honeymoon Period, In and around, In the shop window, Keeping ball under their spell, Keystone Cops defending, Languishing, Loitering with intent, Marching orders, Nestle in the bottom corner, Numbered derbies, Opposite number, PK for penalty-kick, Postage stamp, Rasping shot, Red wine not white wine, Relegation six-pointer, Rooted at the bottom, Route One, Sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, Shooting boots, Sleeping giants, Slide rule pass, Small matter of, Spiders web, Stayed hit, Steepling, Stinging the palms, Stonewall penalty, Straight off the training ground, Taking one for the team, Team that likes to play football, Throw their cap on it, Thruppenny bit head / 50p head, Two good feet, Turning into a basketball match, Turning into a cricket score, Usher/Shepherd the ball out of play, Walking a disciplinary tightrope, Wand of a left foot, Wrap foot around it, Your De Bruynes, your Gundogans etc.

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk football, travel & language. They share their experiences of Macclesfield’s FA Cup triumph and have their say on the Michael Carrick & Liam Rosenior appointments. John is getting ready for his trip to the Arctic. There’s Clash of the Commentators controversy, more unintended pub names, and which commentary phrases will end up in our Great Glossary? Suggestions welcome on WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369 & emails to [email protected] 01:40 Macclesfield sprinkle the magic 09:40 Thoughts on Michael Carrick & Liam Rosenior 15:15 5 Live commentaries this weekend 18:05 John prepares for the Arctic! 21:40 Unintended pub names & railway stations 27:25 Clash of the Commentators 35:10 Great Glossary of Football Commentary 42:00 John’s FA Cup error! 5 Live / BBC Sounds commentaries: Sat 1500 Tottenham v West Ham, Sat 1500 Chelsea v Brentford on Sports Extra, Sat 1730 Nottingham Forest v Arsenal, Sun 1400 Wolves v Newcastle, Sun 1630 Aston Villa v Everton, Tue 1745 Bodø/Glimt v Man City, Tue 2000 Tottenham v Borussia Dortmund, Wed 2000 Newcastle v PSV, Wed 2000 Marseille v Liverpool on Sports Extra. Great Glossary of Football Commentary: DIVISION ONE Back to square one, Bosman, Cruyff Turn, Cultured/educated left foot, Dead-ball specialist, Draught excluder, Elastico/flip-flap Fox in the box, Giving the goalkeeper the eyes, Head tennis, Hibs it, In a good moment, In behind, Magic of the FA Cup, The Maradona, Off their line, Olimpico, Onion bag, Panenka, Park the bus, Perfect hat-trick, Rabona, Roy of the Rovers stuff, Schmeichel-style, Scorpion kick, Spursy, Tiki-taka, Trivela, Where the kookaburra sleeps, Where the owl sleeps, Where the spiders sleep. DIVISION TWO Back on the grass, Ball stays hit, Beaten all ends up, Blaze over the bar, Business end, Came down with snow on it, Catching practice, Camped in the opposition half, Cauldron atmosphere Coat is on a shoogly peg, Come back to haunt them, Corridor of uncertainty, Couldn’t sort their feet out, Easy tap-in, Daisy-cutter, First cab off the rank, Giant-killing, Good leave, Half-turn, Has that in his locker, High wide and not very handsome, Hospital pass, Howler, In their pocket, Johnny on the spot, Leading the line, Nice headache to have, Nutmeg, One for the cameras, One for the purists, Played us off the park, Points to the spot, Prawn sandwich brigade, Purple patch, Put their laces through it, Reaches for their pocket, Rolls Royce, Root and branch review, Row Z, Screamer, Seats on the plane, Show across the bows, Slide-rule pass, Steal a march, Straight in the bread basket, Stramash, Taking one for the team, Telegraphed that pass, That’s great… (football), Thunderous strike, Turns on a sixpence, Walk it in, We’ve got a cup tie on our hands. UNSORTED 2-0 is a dangerous score, After you Claude, All-Premier League affair, Aplomb, Bag/box of tricks, Brace, Brandished, Bread and butter, Breaking the deadlock, Bundled over the line, Champions elect / champions apparent, Clinical finish, Commentator’s curse, Coupon buster, Denied by the woodwork, Draught excluder, Elimination line, Fellow countryman, Foot race, Formerly of this parish, Free hit, Goalkeepers’ Union, Goalmouth scramble, Good touch for a big man, Honeymoon Period, In and around, In the shop window, Keeping ball under their spell, Keystone Cops defending, Languishing, Loitering with intent, Marching orders, Nestle in the bottom corner, Numbered derbies, Opposite number, PK for penalty-kick, Postage stamp, Put it in the mixer, Rasping shot, Red wine not white wine, Relegation six-pointer, Rooted at the bottom, Route One, Sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, Shooting boots, Sleeping giants, Slide rule pass, Small matter of, Spiders web, Stayed hit, Steepling, Stinging the palms, Stonewall penalty, Straight off the training ground, Taking one for the team, Team that likes to play football, Throw their cap on it, Thruppenny bit head / 50p head, Towering header, Two good feet, Turning into a basketball match, Turning into a cricket score, Usher/Shepherd the ball out of play, Walking a disciplinary tightrope, Wand of a left foot, Wrap foot around it, Your De Bruynes, your Gundogans etc.

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk football, travel & language. They debate the FA Cup schedule and lack of free-to-air matches, as well as Ruben Amorim and Enzo Maresca losing their jobs. There’s a twist in the first Clash of the Commentators of the year. More unintended pub and film names, and which commentary phrases will end up in our Great Glossary? Suggestions welcome on WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369 & emails to [email protected] 02:00 Quiz controversy leaves scars 08:15 FA Cup commentaries this weekend 10:55 Should all the matches kick-off at three? 23:00 TCV on Amorim & Maresca 31:00 Back to square one 36:20 Unintended pub and film names 41:20 Clash of the Commentators 46:25 Great Glossary of Football Commentary 5 Live / BBC Sounds commentaries: Fri 9 Jan FA CUP: Wrexham v Nottingham Forest 1930 - 5 LIVE. FA CUP: Preston v Wigan 1930 - SPORTS EXTRA. Sat 10 Jan WSL: Arsenal v Man Utd 1230 - SPORTS EXTRA. FA CUP: Macclesfield v Crystal Palace 1215 - 5 LIVE. FA CUP: Everton v Sunderland 1215 - SPORTS EXTRA 2. FA CUP: Wolves v Shrewsbury 1215 - SPORTS EXTRA 3. FA CUP: Fulham v Middlesbrough 1500 - 5 LIVE. FA CUP: Man City v Exeter 1500 - SPORTS EXTRA. FA CUP: Newcastle v Bournemouth 1500 - SPORTS EXTRA 2. FA CUP: Stoke v Coventry 1500 - SPORTS EXTRA 3. FA CUP: Spurs v Aston Villa 1745 - 5 LIVE. FA CUP: Bristol City v Watford 1745 - SPORTS EXTRA. FA CUP: Cambridge v Birmingham 1745 - SPORTS EXTRA 2. FA CUP: Grimsby v Weston-super-mare 1745 - SPORTS EXTRA 3. FA CUP: Charlton v Chelsea 2000 - 5 LIVE. Sun 11 Jan FA CUP: Derby v Leeds 1200 - 5 LIVE. FA CUP: Portsmouth v Arsenal 1400 - 5 LIVE. FA CUP: West Ham v QPR 1430 - SPORTS EXTRA. FA CUP: Norwich v Walsall 1430 - SPORTS EXTRA 2. Mon 12 Jan FA CUP: Liverpool v Barnsley 1945 – 5 LIVE. Great Glossary of Football Commentary: DIVISION ONE Back to square one, Blaze over the bar, Bosman, Cruyff Turn, Cultured/educated left foot, Dead-ball specialist, Fox in the box, Giving the goalkeeper the eyes, Head tennis, Hibs it, In a good moment, In behind, The Maradona, Off their line, Olimpico, Onion bag, Panenka, Park the bus, Perfect hat-trick, Rabona, Roy of the Rovers stuff, Schmeichel-style, Scorpion kick, Spursy, Tiki-taka, Where the kookaburra sleeps, Where the owl sleeps, Where the spiders sleep. DIVISION TWO Ball stays hit, Beaten all ends up, Business end, Came down with snow on it, Catching practice, Camped in the opposition half, Cauldron atmosphere Coat is on a shoogly peg, Come back to haunt them, Corridor of uncertainty, Couldn’t sort their feet out, Easy tap-in, Daisy-cutter, First cab off the rank, Good leave, Half-turn, Has that in his locker, High wide and not very handsome, Hospital pass, Howler, In their pocket, Johnny on the spot, Leading the line, Nice headache to have, Nutmeg, One for the cameras, One for the purists, Played us off the park, Points to the spot, Prawn sandwich brigade, Purple patch, Put their laces through it, Reaches for their pocket, Rolls Royce, Root and branch review, Row Z, Screamer, Seats on the plane, Show across the bows, Slide-rule pass, Steal a march, Straight in the bread basket, Stramash, Taking one for the team, Telegraphed that pass, That’s great… (football), Thunderous strike, Turns on a sixpence, Walk it in. UNSORTED 2-0 is a dangerous score, After you Claude, All-Premier League affair, Aplomb, Bag/box of tricks, Brace, Brandished, Bread and butter, Breaking the deadlock, Bundled over the line, Champions elect / champions apparent, Clinical finish, Commentator’s curse, Coupon buster, Denied by the woodwork, Draught excluder, Elimination line, Fellow countryman, Foot race, Formerly of this parish, Free hit, Goalkeepers’ Union, Goalmouth scramble, Good touch for a big man, Honeymoon Period, In and around, In the shop window, Keeping ball under their spell, Keystone Cops defending, Languishing, Loitering with intent, Marching orders, Nestle in the bottom corner, Numbered derbies, Opposite number, PK for penalty-kick, Postage stamp, Put it in the mixer, Rasping shot, Red wine not white wine, Relegation six-pointer, Rooted at the bottom, Route One, Sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, Shooting boots, Sleeping giants, Slide rule pass, Small matter of, Spiders web, Stayed hit, Steepling, Stinging the palms, Stonewall penalty, Straight off the training ground, Taking one for the team, Team that likes to play football, Throw their cap on it, Thruppenny bit head / 50p head, Towering header, Two good feet, Turning into a basketball match, Turning into a cricket score, Usher/Shepherd the ball out of play, Walking a disciplinary tightrope, Wand of a left foot, We’ve got a cup tie on our hands, Wrap foot around it, Your De Bruynes, your Gundogans etc.

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball discuss what it’s like being a commentator at Christmas. They look ahead to the festive schedule, Ian aims to stretch his lead in Clash of the Commentators, there are more unintended pub and film names, and which commentary phrases will end up in our Great Glossary? Suggestions welcome on WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369 & emails to [email protected] 00:40 What is Christmas like for commentators? 03:25 Is it right to play at 8pm on Boxing Day? 05:10 John gets wet at Newcastle 07:40 Christmas commentary bingo 12:30 John’s special treatment in Madrid 17:15 Commentary highlights this festive period 19:10 Unintended pub names & film titles 30:20 Clash of the Commentators 37:15 Great Glossary of Football Commentary 5 Live / BBC Sounds Premier League commentaries: Sat 20 Dec 1500 Man City v West Ham, Sat 20 Dec 1500 Brighton v Sunderland on Sports Extra, Sat 20 Dec 1730 Tottenham v Liverpool, Sun 21 Dec 1330 Hearts v Rangers, Sun 21 Dec 1630 Aston Villa v Man Utd, Tue 23 Dec 2000 Arsenal v Palace in EFL Cup QF. Great Glossary of Football Commentary: DIVISION ONE Blaze over the bar, Bosman, Cruyff Turn, Dead-ball specialist, Fox in the box, Giving the goalkeeper the eyes, Head tennis, Hibs it, In a good moment, The Maradona, Off their line, Olimpico, Onion bag, Panenka, Perfect hat-trick, Rabona, Schmeichel-style, Scorpion kick, Spursy, Tiki-taka, Where the kookaburra sleeps, Where the owl sleeps, Where the spiders sleep. DIVISION TWO Ball stays hit, Beaten all ends up, Business end, Came down with snow on it, Catching practice, Camped in the opposition half, Cauldron atmosphere Coat is on a shoogly peg, Come back to haunt them, Corridor of uncertainty, Couldn’t sort their feet out, Easy tap-in, Daisy-cutter, First cab off the rank, Good leave, Half-turn, Has that in his locker, High wide and not very handsome, Hospital pass, Howler, In their pocket, Johnny on the spot, Leading the line, Nice headache to have, Nutmeg, One for the cameras, One for the purists, Played us off the park, Points to the spot, Purple patch, Put their laces through it, Reaches for their pocket, Rolls Royce, Root and branch review, Row Z, Screamer, Seats on the plane, Show across the bows, Slide-rule pass, Steal a march, Stramash, Taking one for the team, Telegraphed that pass, That’s great… (football), Thunderous strike, Walk it in.

Conor McNamara joins Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball to talk travel, football and language. Ian & Conor give their take on Salah after the drama unfolded with them at Elland Road. They look ahead to the Wear-Tyne derby, it’s Ali vs Ian in Clash of the Commentators, there are yet more unintended pub names, and which commentary phrases will end up in our Great Glossary? Suggestions welcome on WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369 & emails to [email protected] 00:35 Why we all love San Siro 04:10 The Bruges or Brugge debate returns 07:15 Salah story unfolds with Ian & Conor 09:20 Has Salah played his last game for Liverpool? 16:25 John Murray’s message from Madrid 20:45 Wear-Tyne derby among Premier League commentaries 27:05 Unintended pub names 40:20 Clash of the Commentators 46:35 Great Glossary of Football Commentary 5 Live / BBC Sounds Premier League commentaries: Sat 1500 Liverpool v Brighton, Sat 1500 Chelsea v Everton on Sports Extra, Sat 1730 Burnley v Fulham, Sun 1400 Sunderland v Newcastle, Sun 1400 Crystal Palace v Man City on Sports Extra, Sun 1400 Nottingham Forest v Tottenham on Sports Extra 2, Sun 1400 West Ham v Aston Villa on Sports Extra 3, Sun 1630 Brentford v Leeds. Glossary so far (in alphabetical order): DIVISION ONE Bosman, Couldn’t sort their feet out, Cruyff Turn, Dead-ball specialist, Fox in the box, Giving the goalkeeper the eyes, Head tennis, Hibs it, In a good moment, The Maradona, Off their line, Olimpico, Onion bag, Panenka, Perfect hat-trick, Points to the spot, Rabona, Schmeichel-style, Scorpion kick, Spursy, Tiki-taka, Where the kookaburra sleeps, Where the owl sleeps, Where the spiders sleep. DIVISION TWO Ball stays hit, Business end, Came down with snow on it, Catching practice, Camped in the opposition half Cauldron atmosphere Coat is on a shoogly peg, Come back to haunt them, Corridor of uncertainty, Easy tap-in, Daisy-cutter, First cab off the rank, Good leave, Half-turn, Has that in his locker, High wide and not very handsome, Hospital pass, Howler, In their pocket, Johnny on the spot, Leading the line, Nutmeg, One for the cameras, One for the purists, Played us off the park, Purple patch, Put their laces through it, Rolls Royce, Root and branch review, Row Z, Screamer, Seats on the plane, Show across the bows, Slide-rule pass, Steal a march, Stramash, Taking one for the team, Telegraphed that pass, That’s great… (football), Thunderous strike, Walk it in. UNSORTED 2-0 is a dangerous score, After you Claude, All-Premier League affair, Aplomb, Bag/box of tricks, Brace, Brandished, Bread and butter, Breaking the deadlock, Bundled over the line, Champions elect / champions apparent, Clinical finish, Commentator’s curse, Coupon buster, Cultured/Educated left foot, Denied by the woodwork, Draught excluder, Elimination line, Fellow countryman, Foot race, Formerly of this parish, Free hit, Goalkeepers’ Union, Goalmouth scramble, Good touch for a big man, Honeymoon Period, In and around, In the shop window, Keeping ball under their spell, Keystone Cops defending, Languishing, Loitering with intent, Marching orders, Nestle in the bottom corner, Numbered derbies, Opposite number, Park the bus, PK for penalty-kick, Postage stamp, Put it in the mixer, Rasping shot, Red wine not white wine, Relegation six-pointer, Rooted at the bottom, Route One, Roy of the Rovers stuff, Sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, Shooting boots, Sleeping giants, Slide rule pass, Small matter of, Spiders web, Stayed hit, Steepling, Stinging the palms, Stonewall penalty, Straight off the training ground, Taking one for the team, Team that likes to play football, Throw their cap on it, Thruppenny bit head / 50p head, Towering header, Two good feet, Turning into a basketball match, Turning into a cricket score, Usher/Shepherd the ball out of play, Walking a disciplinary tightrope, Wand of a left foot, We’ve got a cup tie on our hands, Wrap foot around it, Your De Bruynes, your Gundogans etc.

Welcome back to another episode of The Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet. This week, legendary commentator Martin Tyler joins Jamie Carragher and some of the biggest fan channels in the country to look back on a career unlike any other, filled with unforgettable stories and iconic football moments. We begin with the moment that defined an era: “AGUEROOOOOO!” Martin breaks down the most famous line of commentary in Premier League history, how it happened in real time and what the reaction has been ever since. Martin also reflects on the phone call he once received from Sir Alex Ferguson, shares the lessons he learned throughout his journey in broadcasting and speaks passionately about his love for the game that shaped his life. What do you think is the greatest commentary line of all time? Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode- and please leave a review to help others find us too. Thanks! 00:00 Intro 02:32 The Aguero Goal & Career Highlights 21:15 Shot on Target 28:24 Commentary Styles and Techniques 31:18 Challenges of Commentary 43:33 Iconic Moments Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Murray, Ali Bruce-Ball & Ian Dennis talk travels, football and commentary. They reflect on a dramatic weekend of Premier League football and look ahead to the weekend’s fixtures. John is across the pond for the FIFA World Cup draw. Plus a glut of unintended pub names, heads up for Clash of the Commentators and which commentary phrases will end up in our Great Glossary? Suggestions welcome on WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369 & emails to [email protected] 00:25 John in Washington DC for World Cup draw 04:50 Dramatic week of Premier League football 09:25 5 Live commentaries this weekend 14:00 Unintended pub names from sport commentary 26:00 Potential twist on the theme? 28:45 Clash of the Commentators 34:50 Great Glossary of Football Commentary 5 Live / BBC Sounds Premier League commentaries: Sat 1500 Bournemouth v Chelsea, Sat 1500 Tottenham v Brentford on Sports Extra, Sat 1730 Leeds v Liverpool, Sun 1400 Brighton v West Ham, Sun 1400 Fulham v Crystal Palace. All Clash of the Commentators correct answers: Acheamponh, Alderete, Ballard, Barkley, Bergvall, Beto, Bijol, Bowen, Brobbey, Bruno Guimarães, Calafiori, Calvert-Lewin, Casemiro, Chalobah, De Cuyper, de Ligt, Fernández, Flemming, Foden, Gabriel, Gibbs-White, Gusto, Gyökeres, Haaland, Igor Jesus, Igor Thiago. Isidor, Jiménez, João Pedro, Keane, Kostoulas, Kroupi, Lukic, Maguire, Mateta, Mateus Fernandes, Mayenda, Mbeumo, Merino, Mitoma, Munetsi, Muñoz, Ndoye, Onana, Pedro Neto, Rice, Richarlison, Rodon, Romero, Sarr, Sarr, Schade, Smith Rowe, Thiaw, Timber, Ugochukwu, van de Ven, van Hecke, Welbeck, Wilson, Woltemade, Zubimendi. Glossary so far (in alphabetical order): DIVISION ONE Bosman, Couldn’t sort their feet out, Cruyff Turn, Dead-ball specialist, Fox in the box, Giving the goalkeeper the eyes, Head tennis, Hibs it, In a good moment, The Maradona, Off their line, Olimpico, Onion bag, Panenka, Points to the spot, Rabona, Schmeichel-style, Scorpion kick, Spursy, Tiki-taka, Where the kookaburra sleeps, Where the owl sleeps, Where the spiders sleep. DIVISION TWO Ball stays hit, Business end, Came down with snow on it, Catching practice, Cauldron atmosphere Coat is on a shoogly peg, Come back to haunt them, Corridor of uncertainty, Easy tap-in, Daisy-cutter, First cab off the rank, Good leave, Half-turn, Has that in his locker, High wide and not very handsome, Hospital pass, Howler, Johnny on the spot, Leading the line, Nutmeg, One for the cameras, One for the purists, Played us off the park, Purple patch, Put their laces through it, Rolls Royce, Root and branch review, Row Z, Screamer, Seats on the plane, Show across the bows, Slide-rule pass, Steal a march, Stramash, Taking one for the team, That’s great… (football), Thunderous strike, Walk it in. UNSORTED 2-0 is a dangerous score, After you Claude, All-Premier League affair, Aplomb, Bag/box of tricks, Brace, Brandished, Bread and butter, Breaking the deadlock, Bundled over the line, Champions elect / champions apparent, Clinical finish, Commentator’s curse, Coupon buster, Cultured/Educated left foot, Denied by the woodwork, Draught excluder, Elimination line, Fellow countryman, Foot race, Formerly of this parish, Free hit, Goalkeepers’ Union, Goalmouth scramble, Good touch for a big man, Honeymoon Period, In and around, In the shop window, Keeping ball under their spell, Keystone Cops defending, Languishing, Loitering with intent, Marching orders, Nestle in the bottom corner, Numbered derbies, Opposite number, Park the bus, PK for penalty-kick, Postage stamp, Put it in the mixer, Rasping shot, Red wine not white wine, Relegation six-pointer, Rooted at the bottom, Route One, Roy of the Rovers stuff, Sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, Shooting boots, Sleeping giants, Slide rule pass, Small matter of, Spiders web, Stayed hit, Steepling, Stinging the palms, Stonewall penalty, Straight off the training ground, Taking one for the team, Team that likes to play football, Throw their cap on it, Thruppenny bit head / 50p head, Towering header, Two good feet, Turning into a basketball match, Turning into a cricket score, Usher/Shepherd the ball out of play, Walking a disciplinary tightrope, Wand of a left foot, We’ve got a cup tie on our hands, Winger in their pocket, Wrap foot around it, Your De Bruynes, your Gundogans etc.

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk football, travel & language. They look ahead to the Premier League weekend and tell the stories behind the commentaries. Who will lift themselves off the bottom of the table in Clash of the Commentators? Suggestions welcome for our Great Glossary of Football Commentary and unintended pub names from football commentary - WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369 & emails to [email protected] 00:45 Liverpool lose again 03:15 Ian & John get commentator-spotted! 07:25 5 Live commentaries this weekend 11:35 John on his first visit to Everton’s new stadium 15:40 FA Cup first round weekend 19:20 More unintended pub names 26:35 Clash of the Commentators 33:35 How to mention the unmentionables 35:55 Great Glossary of Football Commentary 47:20 Commentators ‘missing a sitter’ 5 Live / BBC Sounds Premier League commentaries: Sat 1500 Nottingham Forest v Man Utd, Sat 1500 Burnley v Arsenal on Sports Extra, Sat 1730 Tottenham v Chelsea, Sun 1400 West Ham v Newcastle, Sun 1630 Man City v Bournemouth.

John Murray talks football, travel & language with home nations commentators. Liam McLeod represents Scotland after their dramatic win over Greece, Mark Poyser shows up for Wales after Craig Bellamy’s side lost to England, and Joel Taggart is on the pod on behalf of Northern Ireland. It’s Scotland vs Northern Ireland in Clash of the Commentators and suggestions welcome for our Great Glossary of Football Commentary - WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369 & emails to [email protected] 05:10 Favourite experiences commentating on your country 08:35 Perils of commentating off-tube 18:10 Craig Bellamy ‘puts on show’ as Wales manager 23:10 Live commentaries & any countries they’ve not been to? 26:40 Best commentary positions in the home nations 31:25 Clash of the Commentators 36:40 Great Glossary of Football Commentary BBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries: Sun 12 Oct 1200 Chelsea v Tottenham in WSL, Sun 12 Oct 1430 Arsenal v Brighton & Hove in WSL, Sun 12 Oct 1700 Scotland v Belarus in WCQ, Mon 13 Oct 1945 Wales v Belgium in WCQ, Tue 14 Oct 1945 Latvia v England in WCQ, Wed 15 Oct 2000 Chelsea v Paris in UWCL. Glossary so far: DIVISION ONE Bosman, Cruyff Turn, Giving the goalkeeper the eyes, Hibs it, Onion bag, Panenka, Rabona, Where the kookaburra sleeps, Where the owl sleeps, Where the spiders sleep. DIVISION TWO Ball stays hit, Coat is on a shoogly peg, Daisycutter, Has that in his locker, Howler, One for the cameras, Played us off the park, Purple patch, Root and branch review, Row Z, Stramash, Taking one for the team, That’s great… (football), Thunderous strike. UNSORTED 2-0 is a dangerous score, After you Claude, All-Premier League affair, Aplomb, Bag/box of tricks, Brace, Brandished, Bread and butter, Breaking the deadlock, Bundled over the line, Champions elect / champions apparent, Clinical finish, Commentator’s curse, Coupon buster, Cultured/Educated left foot, Denied by the woodwork, Draught excluder, Elimination line, Fellow countryman, Foot race, Formerly of this parish, Fox in the box, Free hit, Goalkeepers’ Union, Goalmouth scramble, Good touch for a big man, Honeymoon Period, In and around, In the shop window, Keeping ball under their spell, Keystone Cops defending, Languishing, Loitering with intent, Marching orders, Nestle in the bottom corner, Numbered derbies, Nutmeg, Opposite number, Park the bus, PK for penalty-kick, Postage stamp, Put it in the mixer, Put their laces through it, Rasping shot, Red wine not white wine, Relegation six-pointer, Rooted at the bottom, Route One, Roy of the Rovers stuff, Sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, Shooting boots, Sleeping giants, Slide rule pass, Small matter of, Spiders web, Stayed hit, Steepling, Stinging the palms, Stonewall penalty, Straight off the training ground, Taking one for the team, Team that likes to play football, Throw their cap on it, Thruppenny bit head / 50p head, Towering header, Two good feet, Turning into a basketball match, Turning into a cricket score, Usher/Shepherd the ball out of play, Walking a disciplinary tightrope, Wand of a left foot, We’ve got a cup tie on our hands, Winger in their pocket, Wrap foot around it, Your De Bruynes, your Gundogans etc.

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk football, travel & language. They hear from Thomas Tuchel after leaving Bellingham, Foden & Grealish out of his England squad. Plus, John is ‘humbled’ by a commentary tattoo, and will anything join the ‘Cruyff Turn’ in Division One of the Great Glossary of Football Commentary? Get your suggestions in with WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369 & emails to [email protected] 02:45 Ali has his car back! 06:05 Thomas Tuchel announces England squad, 13:50 Detailed beard analysis, 18:10 5 Live commentaries this weekend, 19:00 Forest fans turn on Ange Postecoglou, 21:05 Selhurst Park adorned with 5 Live quotes, 22:30 John ‘humbled’ by commentary tattoo, 23:35 Can Crystal Palace win the Premier League? 26:20 Ali vs Ian in Clash of the Commentators, 33:00 The Great Glossary of Football Commentary. BBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries: Sat 1500 Arsenal v West Ham, Sat 1500 Man Utd v Sunderland on Sports Extra, Sat 1730 Chelsea v Liverpool, Sun 1400 Newcastle v Forest, Sun 1400 Everton v Palace on Sports Extra Sun 1400 Aston Villa v Burnley on BBC Sport website & app, Sun 1400 Wolves v Brighton on BBC Sport website & app, Sun 1630 Brentford v Man City. Glossary so far: DIVISION ONE Bosman, Cruyff Turn, Onion bag, Panenka, Rabona, Where the kookaburra sleeps, Where the owl sleeps, Where the spiders sleep. DIVISION TWO Daisycutter, Howler, One for the cameras, Played us off the park, Purple patch, Root and branch review, Row Z, Taking one for the team, That’s great… (football), Thunderous strike. UNSORTED 2-0 is a dangerous score, After you Claude, All-Premier League affair, Aplomb, Bag/box of tricks, Brace, Brandished, Breaking the deadlock, Bundled over the line, Champions elect / champions apparent, Clinical finish, Commentator’s curse, Coupon buster, Cultured/Educated left foot, Denied by the woodwork, Draught excluder, Elimination line, Fellow countryman, Foot race, Formerly of this parish, Fox in the box, Free hit, Goalkeepers’ Union, Goalmouth scramble, Good touch for a big man, Honeymoon Period, In and around, In the shop window, Keeping ball under their spell, Keystone Cops defending, Languishing, Loitering with intent, Marching orders, Nestle in the bottom corner, Numbered derbies, Nutmeg, Opposite number, Park the bus, PK for penalty-kick, Postage stamp, Put it in the mixer, Put their laces through it, Rasping shot, Red wine not white wine, Relegation six-pointer, Rooted at the bottom, Route One, Roy of the Rovers stuff, Sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, Shooting boots, Sleeping giants, Slide rule pass, Small matter of, Spiders web, Stayed hit, Steepling, Stinging the palms, Stonewall penalty, Straight off the training ground, Stramash, Taking one for the team, Team that likes to play football, Throw their cap on it, Thruppenny bit head / 50p head, Towering header, Two good feet, Turning into a basketball match, Turning into a cricket score, Usher/Shepherd the ball out of play, Walking a disciplinary tightrope, Wand of a left foot, We’ve got a cup tie on our hands, Winger in their pocket, Wrap foot around it, Your De Bruynes, your Gundogans etc.

Adam Hurrey is joined on the Adjudication Panel by Charlie Eccleshare and David Walker. On the agenda: satisfying goal commentaries on Match of the Day, Arne Slot learns a very mundane English sporting word, the “sick of the sight of him” threshold, surprise Andy Townsend co-commentary in a song intro, commentators taking 5.88 seconds to realise a goal has been scored, how a team becomes “all-conquering” and some typical broadcasting gold from the boys at BeIN Sports. Sign up for Dreamland, the new members-only Football Clichés experience, to access our exclusive new show and much more: https://dreamland.footballcliches.com Get your ticket for the Football Clichés Live tour this October: https://tickets.footballcliches.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk football, travel & language. They hear from Thomas Tuchel and Dan Burn ahead of England v Andorra. Will John’s losing run in Clash of the Commentators finally come to an end? And the Great Glossary of Football Commentary returns. Get your suggestions in with WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369 & emails to [email protected] 02:50 Parking problems 06:50 Arsenal ‘understandable’ approach at Anfield? 11:55 5 Live commentaries this international break 12:45 John Stones withdraws through injury 13:25 Thomas Tuchel on John Stones & Marc Guehi 16:00 Tuchel compares Andorra to chewing gum 17:55 Dan Burn on Alexander Isak leaving Newcastle 19:30 Who did it right? Isak or Guehi? 23:50 Are international commentaries the pinnacle? 27:25 Clash of the Commentators 33:50 Great Glossary of Football Commentary BBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries: Fri 5 Sep 1930 Chelsea v Man City in the WSL, Sat 6 Sep 1330 Arsenal v London City Lionesses in the WSL, Sat 6 Sep 1700 England v Andorra in World Cup Qualifying, Sun 7 Sep 1200 Liverpool v Everton in the WSL, Tue 9 Sep 1945 Serbia v England in World Cup Qualifying. Glossary so far: 2-0 is a dangerous score, After you Claude, All-Premier League affair, Aplomb, Bag/box of tricks, Brace, Brandished, Breaking the deadlock, Bundled over the line, Champions elect / champions apparent, Clinical finish, Commentator’s curse, Coupon buster, Cultured/Educated left foot, Denied by the woodwork, Draught excluder, Elimination line, Fellow countryman, Foot race, Formerly of this parish, Fox in the box, Free hit, Goalkeepers’ Union, Goalmouth scramble, Good touch for a big man, Honeymoon Period, In and around, In the shop window, Keeping ball under their spell, Keystone Cops defending, Languishing, Loitering with intent, Marching orders, Nestle in the bottom corner, Numbered derbies, Nutmeg, Opposite number, Park the bus, PK for penalty-kick, Postage stamp, Put it in the mixer, Put their laces through it, Rasping shot, Red wine not white wine, Relegation six-pointer, Rooted at the bottom, Route One, Roy of the Rovers stuff, Sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, Shooting boots, Sleeping giants, Slide rule pass, Small matter of, Spiders web, Stayed hit, Steepling, Stinging the palms, Stonewall penalty, Straight off the training ground, Stramash, Team that likes to play football, Throw their cap on it, Thruppenny bit head / 50p head, Towering header, Two good feet, Turning into a basketball match, Turning into a cricket score, Usher/Shepherd the ball out of play, Walking a disciplinary tightrope, Wand of a left foot, We’ve got a cup tie on our hands, Where the kookaburra sleeps, Where the owl sleeps, Winger in their pocket, Wrap foot around it, Your De Bruynes, your Gundogans etc.

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk football, travel & language. They react to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad announcement and discuss Ruben Amorim’s position at Manchester United. Could another trip to Bodø be on the cards in the Champions League? Plus a tricky Clash of the Commentators AND Producer Clare joins the pod to take us behind the scenes on Saturday’s 5 Live Sport! As always, WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369 & emails to [email protected] 01:00 Tuchel sorry for Bellingham 'repulsive' remark 06:50 Reacting to the England squad announcement 12:35 Ruben Amorim under pressure at Man Utd 16:45 Other 5 Live commentaries this weekend 17:30 Is another trip to Bodø on the cards in the Champions League? 20:45 John has a rest in Clash of the Commentators 28:25 Producer Clare joins the pod 48:45 A flavour of the Great Glossary BBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries: Sat 1500 Man Utd v Burnley, Sat 1500 Tottenham v Bournemouth on Sports Extra, Sat 1730 Leeds v Newcastle, Sun 1200 Rangers v Celtic, Sun 1400 Brighton v Man City, Sun 1400 Nottingham Forest v West Ham on Sports Extra, Sun 1630 Liverpool v Arsenal.

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk football, travel & language. They have their say on Alexander Isak and look ahead to the second weekend of Premier League commentaries. Will John’s losing run in Clash of the Commentators ever end? And will the Great Glossary of Football Commentary get its first additions of the season? WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369. Emails to [email protected] 01:50 Ian on returning to the Stadium of Light 07:10 Ian makes a ‘horlicks’ of the team news 10:15 Premier League commentaries this weekend 12:20 Ali gets dropped to the commentator’s bench 13:55 John goes Sesko not Šeško 15:35 Sunderland make kit numbers clearer! 17:30 Fulham selling espresso martinis & margaritas 21:40 Alexander Isak ‘behaving like a spoilt child’ 25:25 John vs Ian in a dramatic Clash of the Commentators 33:25 Bundesliga lands on the BBC 37:40 Great Glossary of Football Commentary BBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries: Sat 1500 Brentford v Aston Villa, Sat 1500 Burnley v Sunderland on Sports Extra, Sat 1730 Arsenal v Leeds, Sun 1400 Everton v Brighton, Sun 1400 Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest on Sports Extra, Sun 1630 Fulham v Man Utd. Glossary so far: 2-0 is a dangerous score, After you Claude, All-Premier League affair, Aplomb, Brace, Brandished, Breaking the deadlock, Bundled over the line, Champions elect / champions apparent, Clinical finish, Commentator’s curse, Coupon buster, Cultured/Educated left foot, Denied by the woodwork, Draught excluder, Elimination line, Fellow countryman, Foot race, Formerly of this parish, Fox in the box, Free hit, Goalkeepers’ Union, Goalmouth scramble, Good touch for a big man, Honeymoon Period, In and around, In the shop window, Keeping ball under their spell, Languishing, Loitering with intent, Marching orders, Nestle in the bottom corner, Numbered derbies, Nutmeg, Opposite number, Park the bus, PK for penalty-kick, Postage stamp, Put it in the mixer, Put their laces through it, Rasping shot, Red wine not white wine, Relegation six-pointer, Rooted at the bottom, Route One, Roy of the Rovers stuff, Sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, Shooting boots, Sleeping giants, Slide rule pass, Small matter of, Spiders web, Stayed hit, Steepling, Stinging the palms, Stonewall penalty, Straight off the training ground, Stramash, Team that likes to play football, Throw their cap on it, Thruppenny bit head / 50p head, Towering header, Turning into a basketball match, Turning into a cricket score, Two good feet, Walking a disciplinary tightrope, Wand of a left foot, We’ve got a cup tie on our hands, Where the owl sleeps, Winger in their pocket, Wrap foot around it, Your De Bruynes, your Gundogans etc.

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk football, travel & language. It turns out Sunderland being back in the Premier League may pose some problems for commentators. Which new players are the guys most excited to see in action? Surely John can’t lose again in Clash of the Commentators, and will any new terms be added to the Great Glossary of Football Commentary? WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369. Emails to [email protected] 08:15 5 Live returns with 209 Premier League commentaries 11:50 ‘Challenging’ commentary position at the Stadium of Light 15:25 Which players are the guys excited to commentate on? 16:48 Benjamin Šeško or Benjamin Sesko? 18:17 Who will be challenging for the title? 20:00 Any new season resolutions? 22:02 What’s in John’s pencil case? 24:53 Feeling rusty at the start of the season 31:03 Will John lose again in Clash of the Commentators? 36:25 Great Glossary of Football Commentary 47:23 Ian’s FPL beef with Chris Sutton BBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries: Sat 1500 Sunderland v West Ham, Sat 1500 Tottenham v Burnley on Sports Extra, Sat 1730 Wolves v Man City, Sun 1400 Chelsea v Crystal Palace, Sun 1400 Nottingham Forest v Brentford on Sports Extra, Sun 1630 Man Utd v Arsenal. Glossary so far: 2-0 is a dangerous score, After you Claude, All-Premier League affair, Aplomb, Brace, Brandished, Breaking the deadlock, Bundled over the line, Champions elect / champions apparent, Clinical finish, Commentator’s curse, Coupon buster, Cultured/Educated left foot, Denied by the woodwork, Draught excluder, Elimination line, Fellow countryman, Foot race, Formerly of this parish, Fox in the box, Free hit, Goalkeepers’ Union, Goalmouth scramble, Good touch for a big man, Honeymoon Period, In and around, In the shop window, Keeping ball under their spell, Languishing, Loitering with intent, Marching orders, Nestle in the bottom corner, Numbered derbies, Nutmeg, Opposite number, Park the bus, PK for penalty-kick, Postage stamp, Put it in the mixer, Put their laces through it, Rasping shot, Red wine not white wine, Relegation six-pointer, Rooted at the bottom, Route One, Roy of the Rovers stuff, Sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, Sleeping giants, Slide rule pass, Small matter of, Spiders web, Stayed hit, Steepling, Stinging the palms, Stonewall penalty, Straight off the training ground, Stramash, Team that likes to play football, Throw their cap on it, Thruppenny bit head / 50p head, Towering header, Turning into a basketball match, Turning into a cricket score, Two good feet, Walking a disciplinary tightrope, Wand of a left foot, We’ve got a cup tie on our hands, Where the owl sleeps, Winger in their pocket, Wrap foot around it, Your De Bruynes, your Gundogans etc.

Ali Bruce-Ball is joined by Conor McNamara & Vicki Sparks ahead of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025. Hear from England striker Alessia Russo, catch Vicki’s Toblerone tales from Basel and will the ‘false one’ get in to the Great Glossary of Football Commentary. Plus reaction to Manchester City crashing out of the FIFA Club World Cup, and will Clash of the Commentators champion Ali Bruce-Ball be beaten? Live show tickets: crossedwires.live/fringe WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369 Emails to [email protected] 00:50 Man City knocked out of FIFA Club World Cup, 03:10 Russell Fuller slips on his cliché banana skin, 07:30 Vicki Sparks joins the pod live from Switzerland, 13:40 5 Live commentaries at the Women’s Euros, 14:10 Hear from England striker Alessia Russo, 17:05 What are Wales aiming for at first major tournament? 19:20 Don’t give Vicki extra facts on matchday! 23:30 Toblerone tales from Basel, 25:15 Vicki vs Ali in Clash of the Commentators, 32:10 ‘False One’ for the Great Glossary? BBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries: Wed 1700 Iceland v Finland on Sports Extra 2, Wed 2000 Switzerland v Norway on 5 Live, Thu 2000 Spain v Portugal on 5 Live, Fri 1700 Denmark v Sweden on Sports Extra 3, Fri 2000 Germany v Poland on 5 Live, Sat 1700 Wales v Netherlands on 5 Live, Sat 2000 France v England on 5 Live. Glossary so far: 2-0 is a dangerous score, After you Claude, All-Premier League affair, Aplomb, Brace, Brandished, Breaking the deadlock, Bundled over the line, Champions elect / champions apparent, Clinical finish, Commentator’s curse, Coupon buster, Cultured/Educated left foot, Denied by the woodwork, Draught excluder, Elimination line, Fellow countryman, Foot race, Formerly of this parish, Fox in the box, Free hit, Goalmouth scramble, Good touch for a big man, Head tennis, Honeymoon Period, In and around, In the shop window, Keeping ball under their spell, Languishing, Loitering with intent, Marching orders, Nestle in the bottom corner, Numbered derbies, Nutmeg, One of those, Opposite number, Park the bus, PK for penalty-kick, Postage stamp, Put their laces through it, Rasping shot, Red wine not white wine, Relegation six-pointer, Rooted at the bottom, Roy of the Rovers stuff, Seen them given, Sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, Sleeping giants, Slide rule pass, Small matter of, Smash and grab, Spiders web, Stayed hit, Steepling, Stinging the palms, Stonewall penalty, Straight off the training ground, Stramash, Sweeper keeper, Throw their cap on it, Thruppenny bit head / 50p head, Turns like an ocean liner / aircraft carrier, Put it in the mixer, Towering header, Turning into a basketball match, Turning into a cricket score, Walking a disciplinary tightrope, Wand of a left foot, We’ve got a cup tie on our hands, Where the owl sleeps, Winger in their pocket, Wrap foot around it, Your De Bruynes, your Gundogans etc.

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk football, travel & language. Ali reflects on his whirlwind trip to Wrocław to see Chelsea win the UEFA Conference League. John is in Munich for the Champions League Final between PSG and Inter Milan. Will John salvage some pride in Clash of the Commentators? And which terms will be added or removed from the Great Glossary of Football Commentary? WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369 Emails to [email protected] 00:45 Ali’s whistlestop visit to Wrocław, 07:10 Should English clubs be in the Conference League? 11:20 Ali emulates Alan Green 14:05 John in Munich for Champions League Final 15:10 BIG NEWS 27:00 Champions League Final preview 33:45 Clash of the Commentators 40:47 Great Glossary of Football Commentary BBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries next weekend: Fri 1945 England v Portugal in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, Sat 2000 PSG v Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League Final.

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk football, travel & language. What’s it like commentating on an FA Cup Final? Ali reveals more about last week’s Arctic expedition. The guys have their say on Goodison Park dodging the wrecking ball. Is the commentator’s blessing now a thing? Clash of the Commentators does stadia and which terms will be added to the Great Glossary of Football Commentary? WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369 Emails to [email protected] 01:00 Commentating on the FA Cup Final 08:00 Ali’s Arctic expedition 14:00 John disappointed by guard of honour ‘disrespect’ 18:00 Nothing beats a Norwegian romance 19:25 Goodison Park lives to fight another day 23:55 5 Live commentaries this weekend 27:30 Is the ‘commentator’s blessing’ now a thing? 31:15 Clash of the Commentators 39:35 Great Glossary of Football Commentary BBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries next weekend: Sat 1630 FA Cup Final Crystal Palace v Man City on 5 Live Sun 1330 Women’s FA Cup Final Chelsea v Man Utd on Sports Extra 3, Sun 1415 West Ham v Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on 5 Live, Sun 1500 Brentford v Fulham in the Premier League on Sports Extra 2, Sun 1630 Arsenal v Newcastle in the Premier League on 5 Live. Glossary so far: 2-0 is a dangerous score, After you Claude, All-Premier League affair, Aplomb, Brace, Brandished, Breaking the deadlock, Champions elect / champions apparent, Clinical finish, Commentator’s curse, Coupon buster, Cultured/Educated left foot, Denied by the woodwork, Draught excluder, Elimination line, Fellow countryman, Foot race, Formerly of this parish, Fox in the box, Free hit, Good touch for a big man, Honeymoon Period, In and around, In the shop window, Languishing, Loitering with intent, Marching orders, Nestle in the bottom corner, Numbered derbies, Nutmeg, Opening their account, Opposite number, Park the bus, PK for penalty-kick, Postage stamp, Rasping shot, Red wine not white wine, Relegation six-pointer, Rooted at the bottom, Roy of the Rovers stuff, Sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, Sleeping giants, Slide rule pass, Small matter of, Spiders web, Stayed hit, Steepling, Stinging the palms, Stonewall penalty, Straight off the training ground, Stramash, Struck with venom, Throw their cap on it, Turning into a basketball match, Turning into a cricket score, Walking a disciplinary tightrope, Wand of a left foot, We’ve got a cup tie on our hands, Where the owl sleeps, Wrap foot around it, Your De Bruynes, your Gundogans etc.

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball discuss Liverpool and Celtic being on the verge of titles. They’re joined by Conor McNamara after he went viral for his 5 Live Man Utd-Lyon commentary. Will Ali be toppled by Ian in Clash of the Commentators? How high will the high bar be for the Great Glossary of Football Commentary? And John bowls us over with his plans for the weekend in London. 01:30 Liverpool and Celtic on the verge of titles 06:10 Conor McNamara reflects on going viral 25:15 Some big 5 Live commentaries this weekend 33:35 More Clash of the Commentators controversy? 41:25 Will anything be added to the Great Glossary? 53:35 John reveals his exciting weekend plans BBC Sounds / 5 Live / Radio 5 Sports Extra weekend commentaries: Sat 1500 Newcastle v Ipswich in the Premier League, Sat 1715 Crystal Palace v Aston Villa in the FA Cup semis, Sun 1400 Bournemouth v Man Utd in the Premier League, Sun 1400 Chelsea v Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League, Sun 1630 Liverpool v Tottenham in the Premier League, Sun 1630 Nottingham Forest v Man City in the FA Cup semis.

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk commentary life. From Ian’s penchant for pies at Celtic to whether the ‘dull’ Premier League should have play-offs to make it more interesting. One listener sets a new record for clubs with a slash in their names, and there’s a whole heap of controversy in a Clash of the Commentators basement battle. Plus, BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty joins for the Great Glossary of Football Commentary. 02:55 Who ate all the pies? 05:40 Would Arsenal fans rather have Saka or Gabriel? 11:35 5 Live’s weekend commentaries 14:10 Should the ‘dull’ Premier League have play-offs? 20:35 A new record for clubs with a slash in their names 28:10 Controversy in Clash of the Commentators 37:20 Phil McNulty joins for the Great Glossary BBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this weekend: Fri 2000 England women v Belgium in the UEFA Women's Nations League, Fri 1915 Wales women v Denmark on the BBC Sport website, Sat 1500 Crystal Palace v Brighton in the Premier League, Sat 1730 Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, Sun 1400 Fulham v Liverpool in the Premier League, Sun 1400 Brentford v Chelsea on Radio 5 Sports Extra, Sun 1400 Tottenham v Southampton on the BBC Sport website, Sun 1630 Man Utd v Man City in the Premier League.

Adam Hurrey is joined on the Adjudication Panel by Charlie Eccleshare and David Walker. On the agenda: the League Cup's modern status as a "springboard" for its winners, Gary Neville stealing Peter Drury's lines, Dan Burn and the "what a week he's having" threshold, the German concept of a "Sunday goal", some beautiful commentary vibrato, and Doncaster's manager on "swings and roundabouts". Meanwhile, the panel laud Thomas Tuchel's response to the now-traditional questions about singing the national anthem and hear news of a welcome development for generic match balls in the film industry. Adam's book, Extra Time Beckons, Penalties Loom: How to Use (and Abuse) The Language of Football, is OUT NOW: https://geni.us/ExtraTimeBeckons Visit nordvpn.com/cliches to get four extra months on a two-year plan with NordVPN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Conor McNamara returns with Ian Dennis and Ali Bruce-Ball to tell the stories behind the 5 Live commentaries. On the agenda this week: being late for games, who brings the sweets and what it’s like splitting a commentary between commentators. What will be added/removed when it comes to the Great Glossary? And a new record is set in Clash of the Commentators! 02:00 Conor recounts his first 5 Live commentary 03:25 How did Ali fare with his new glasses? 04:25 Who is Chris Sutton’s lookalike? 05:45 Man Utd turn another corner? 07:15 Sweets during commentary 10:35 Being late for commentaries 17:20 More lookalikes and soundalikes 20:45 Conor goes ‘back to the future’ 25:30 Clash of the Commentators 32:20 Commentators splitting a commentary 40:35 Great Glossary of Football Commentary BBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries this weekend: Sat 1500 Ipswich v Nottingham Forest, Sat 1730 Bournemouth v Brentford, Sun 1330 Arsenal v Chelsea, Sun 1330 Fulham v Tottenham on 5 Sports Extra, Sun 1630 Liverpool v Newcastle in the EFL Cup final, Sun 1900 Leicester v Man Utd.

Adam Hurrey is joined on the Adjudication Panel by Charlie Eccleshare and David Walker. On the agenda: some entry-level superlatives for Lionel Messi, Jean-Philippe Mateta and the "if you did that to someone on the street" test, some hugely undignified refereeing body language on the way for 2025/26, some technical issues with declaring "the fastest red card ever", a commentator in perfect sync with a stadium PA system and Eddie Howe describes the haka in the most Eddie Howe way possible. Meanwhile, the panel ponder what makes a win a brushing or a sweeping and wonder which footballer we could most easily rumble if they turned up to a local 5-a-side in disguise. Adam's book, Extra Time Beckons, Penalties Loom: How to Use (and Abuse) The Language of Football, is OUT NOW: https://geni.us/ExtraTimeBeckons Visit nordvpn.com/cliches to get four extra months on a two-year plan with NordVPN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Murray, Ian Dennis and Alistair Bruce-Ball tell the tales you don’t normally get to hear. Hear Ian’s story about his ‘clanger’ at Leeds United, Clash of the Commentators breaks new ground as Ali and Ian go head-to-head. And the panel also reflect on Champions League drama, Merseyside madness and tough times for Tottenham and Manchester United. Plus, voicenotes are now being accepted for the ‘Great Glossary of Football Commentary’! 02:55 To sit or to stand? 04:40 ‘Intense’ week for John & Ian 08:20 Ian’s away goals rule ‘clanger’ 10:50 Iwata fires one into the glossary 11:45 TCV’s first voicenotes! 18:00 Clash of the Commentators 27:40 John surges clear in the Golden Mic contest 29:50 Champions League / Merseyside reflections 31:45 Tough times for Tottenham & Man Utd 38:55 Mousse, cheesecake & Crusty the Pie 43:10 Sending the goalkeeper the wrong way? BBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries this weekend: Sat 15 Feb 1500 Man City v Newcastle, Sat 15 Feb 1730 Crystal Palace v Everton, Sun 16 Feb 1400 Liverpool v Wolves, Sun 16 Feb 1630 Tottenham v Man Utd.

John Murray and Ian Dennis are joined by Jacqui Oatley to lift the lid on life behind the microphone. Jacqui reveals how she got into football media and the pressure that came with being the first female commentator. Jacqui takes on John in a one-off Clash of the Commentators exhibition match. Will any of Jacqui’s Americanisms make the Great Glossary of Football Commentary? And rugby union correspondent Chris Jones joins the pod to talk about commentating at the Six Nations. 04:45 How Jacqui got into football media? 11:40 Facing pressure as a female commentator 19:10 Clash of the Commentators 25:00 Americanisms for the Great Glossary? 37:20 Rugby’s Chris Jones joins the pod BBC Sounds / 5 Live FA Cup commentaries this weekend: Fri 7 Feb 2000 Man Utd v Leicester, Sat 8 Feb 1215 Leyton Orient v Man City, Sat 8 Feb 1215 Leeds v Millwall on 5 Sports Extra, Sat 8 Feb 1500 Wigan v Fulham, Sat 8 Feb 1500 Everton v Bournemouth on the BBC Sport website, Sat 8 Feb 1745 Birmingham v Newcastle starting on 5 Sports Extra, Sat 8 Feb 2000 Brighton & Hove v Chelsea, Sun 9 Feb 1230 Blackburn v Wolves, Sun 9 Feb 1735 Aston Villa v Tottenham Mon 10 Feb 1945 Doncaster v Crystal Palace.

John Murray, Ian Dennis and Alistair Bruce-Ball lift the lid on life as 5 Live commentators. They reflect on the table-watching drama of the final round of Champions League and Europa League games. There’s off-field controversy. Who will go top of the table in Clash of the Commentators? And Ali’s Shrewsbury story finally gets told. 00:45 John’s trip to the dentist 04:00 Striking pre-match displays 07:30 All eyes on the table, not the match? 15:00 Man City/Celtic vs Bayern Munich/Real Madrid 18:30 Golden mic latest 21:00 Golf and games controversy 27:10 Who will go top in Clash of the Commentators? 34:55 The Shrewsbury story finally gets told 42:30 Most exciting January signings 47:15 The Great Glossary of Football Commentary BBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries this weekend: Sat 1 Feb 1500 Bournemouth v Liverpool, Sat 1 Feb 1730 Wolves v Aston Villa on 5 Sports Extra, Sun 2 Feb 1400 Man Utd v Crystal Palace, Sun 2 Feb 1400 Brentford v Tottenham on 5 Sports Extra, Sun 2 Feb 1630 Arsenal v Man City.

5 Live commentators John Murray, Ian Dennis and Alistair Bruce-Ball answer listener questions. From how they got into football to how they relax while on the road, and which are the coldest/warmest grounds in the country? And can Ian finally get a win under his belt in Clash of the Commentators? 02:15 Ali talks about presenting on the radio 06:10 John’s Christmas travel troubles 12:40 Why did they get into football? 19:20 How do they relax while traveling? 24:30 Do they listen back to their commentaries? 30:20 How do they look after their voices? 33:10 Can Ian win Clash of the Commentators? 43:05 Is Liverpool-Man Utd a ‘local derby’? 44:40 Which are the coldest/warmest grounds? 47:40 The Great Glossary of Football Commentary BBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries this weekend: Sat 4 Jan 3pm Crystal Palace v Chelsea, Sat 4 Jan 5:30pm Brighton v Arsenal, Sun 5 Jan 2pm Fulham v Ipswich, Sun 5 Jan 4:30pm Liverpool v Man Utd.

John Murray and Ian Dennis join Alistair Bruce-Ball to lift the lid on life as 5 Live commentators. From Ian’s floppy disk of research to pre-interview smalltalk with Steven Gerrard, they reveal stories you don’t normally get to hear. And as it’s an Ali Bruce-Ball podcast, of course there’s some fun and games as well. 02:00 No rest for the commentator! 06:05 Ian’s floppy disk 09:05 Encounters with new Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim 13:50 ‘Kevin Dalglish’ 15:20 Pre-interview smalltalk 18:10 The ‘Wheel of Spiel’ 24:30 Difficulties of commentating on Man City 29:30 Ian Holloway’s spooky interview 31:30 ‘Clash of the commentators’ quiz 36:10 What’s it like commentating at 3pm on Saturday? 39:30 The Great Dictionary of Football Commentary BBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this weekend: Arsenal v Nottingham Forest – Premier League – 15:00 – Saturday 23 November Man City v Tottenham – Premier League – 17:30 – Saturday 23 November Southampton v Liverpool – Premier League – 14:00 – Sunday 24 November Ipswich v Man Utd – Premier League – 16:30 – Sunday 24 November

Adam Hurrey is joined on the Adjudication Panel by Charlie Eccleshare and David Walker. On the agenda: the post-Ten Hag news cycle begins in earnest, a brief but tantalising moment of doubt over whether Peter Drury said the word "dude" on commentary, the ongoing devaluing of the phrase "captain's goal", too many footballers' names in the new Jack Reacher novel, Barcelona's plucky tweeting, and a strange mix-up involving two Andy Townsends. Meanwhile, the panel discuss which Premier League manager looks the most "darts" and enjoy the performance of a football commentator on a mid-1990s tv quiz show. Adam's new book, Extra Time Beckons, Penalties Loom: How to Use (and Abuse) The Language of Football, is OUT NOW: https://geni.us/ExtraTimeBeckons Visit nordvpn.com/cliches to get four extra months on a two-year plan with NordVPN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adam Hurrey is joined by Charlie Eccleshare and David Walker for the Adjudication Panel. The agenda includes: whether Arsenal won the north London derby "the hard way", when Sarcastic Pep becomes impossible to separate from Normal Pep, commentators answering their own rhetorical questions, teams "sealing" relegation, more footballspeak at the snooker, a footballer-sounding shampoo innovation and Harry Redknapp opening a local supermarket. Meanwhile, the panel analyse a listener's Missing Piece of the Jigsaw XI and enjoy some more vintage Andy Gray co-commentary. Get your Football Cliches merch here: https://www.100-percent.co.uk/collections/football-cliches Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adam Hurrey is joined by Charlie Eccleshare and David Walker on the latest Adjudication Panel. The agenda includes: the 'goalscoring formality' commentator intonation, the best off-pitch storming the Premier League has ever seen, Gary Neville's audio cameo in Squid Game: The Challenge, a new Italian contender to describe the top corner and Richard Keys lays out the future for Manchester United. Meanwhile, the panel debate what it means for a team to "come unstuck", choose the most Euros-y Euro 2024 group and decide if there should be a height limit to be called a "maestro". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's edition of A Slight Tangent, Arthur, Joe, Mick, and Will discussed FIFA's fake news from the World Cup, the Irish obsession with Roy Keane, and commentary from matches. Football on OTB with Sky.