famous sports commentators uk famous sports commentators uk

Her hard work paid off when she was made the host of ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown. The view from Dortmund. We look at the finest commentators, pundits, analysts and race callers in UK sport. Darke began his career covering soccer (big surprise) but found a road to riches by becoming Sky's main boxing announcer as the sport exploded in popularity with British audiences in the mid-1990s, thanks to the rise of future heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis. Martin Tyler is 74 now, but dont be surprised to see him around the grounds for a good few years yet. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball." Which is pretty amazing. That Visser spent a majority of her career doing sideline reporting and didn't get a chance in the booth until 2001 as a color analyst for NFL games is more of a testament to the inherent sexism in the business. Makes a great duo with Jim Beglin. He versatility was remarkable. What were they thinking? Born: April 11, 1965 (West Islip, New York). "Five seconds left in the game do you believe in miracles?! Then, he hit it big when NBC kingmaker Don Ohlmeyer hired him in 1980, famously saying the 28-year-old Costas "looked like a 14-year-old.". Dennis Bergkamp has won it for Holland! witnessing one of the great World Cup goals in Hollands 2-1 quarter-final win over Argentina in 1998. From then on Tyler became number two commentator to Brian Moore, working on two European Championships and the 1986 World Cup. Visser spent a decade as a reporter with The Boston Globe before making the jump to television work, where she's the only broadcaster, male or female, to work the Final Four, NBA Finals, World Series, Triple Crown, Monday Night Football, Olympics, Super Bowl, U.S. Open and World Figure Skating Championships. Throughout his time at Sky, Tyler has witnessed many dramatic matches, providing memorable lines along the way. The view from Dortmund. Our team of experienced snooker analysts and commentators . And frankly, who cares? He participated in and won season 12 of the reality TV show The Bachelorette. Croft is a Sky Sports F1 commentator, well known for succeeding Maurice Hamilton amid finding his voice on BBC Radio 5 Live in the 2006 season. A true legend of broadcasting. Having commented both on football and boxing, Darke was one of the four members of Sky's 'Big Four' commentators alongside Martin Tyler, Alan Parry and Rob Hawthorne. Starting his career as a ghost-writer for Jimmy Hills column in The Times, Martin Tyler had his first commentary gig in 1974 for ITV regional television. As Sky acquired more and more competitions to their channels, he also found himself working on League Cup games, Englands crucial major tournament qualifiers and Champions League matches. He is particularly well known as the "Voice of Sevens". Arguably his most famous commentary came after Sergio Aguero's late goal for Man City vs QPR on the final day of the 2011/12 season, which won City the Premier League title. Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet. He initially wrote for publications such as the Dallas Times Herald and the Chicago Tribune was voted the Texas Sportswriter of the Year thrice. It was more than overdue for Davies to be given his chance, as he had been behind Motson in the pecking order for years. It'll be nice if some of y'all can help me (and others in this sub) do a little list of those i've not mentioned, even if it's one video at a time. "Jordan, open, Chicago with the lead!" BBC One's Breakfast (left April 2022), Football Focus (left June 2021) 2020/2021: 295,000-295,999. Who makes our top five? Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has given the Los Angeles Lakers a victory, and Magic Johnson is out there celebrating like they've just won the NCAA championship." Oh, it must be! He used to play golf backward, hitting from green to tee. Well-known for his winter duffel coat, Motson fought off strong competition from fellow football broadcasting legends like Kenneth Wolstenholme, Brian Moore and Barry Davies to make the list. Thats it, thats it!Any other time those words would have been sufficient, although Johns was never bitter. Football Commentating Years On TV: 1958-81 (BBC) It's often said that David Coleman was responsible for making BBC Sport a worldwide brand. Vote for Your Favourite Sports Commentators, (Sportscaster and Co-Host of the Show 'Dancing with the Stars'), (Canadian-American Television Personality Who Was a Sports Broadcaster for The Score Network), (Former College and Professional American Football Quarterback and Sports Commentator), (American Professional Wrestling Commentator), (Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin's 7th District (2011 - 2019)), (American football player, TV personality), (Sports Columnist and Television Personality Known for His Work as a Commentator on the ESPN2 Show First Take), (American Commentator for ESPN and Former Basketball Coach), Jeff Van Gundy is a former basketball coach who now serves as an, (English Former ProfessionalFootballerWho Played as ACentre-Back), (English Sports Presenter and FormerProfessional Football Right-Back), (American Professional Volleyball Player), (American Boxing Trainer and Fight Commentator), (American Former CompetitiveFigure Skater, Actress And Sports Commentator), (American Professional Football Quarterback), (English Cricket Commentator and Former Cricketer Who Played as a Right-Arm Fast-Medium Bowler and Right-Handed Batter), British cricket commentator and TV/radio sportscaster Isa Guha is also a former cricketer who has been part of the English squads of the 2005 and the 2009, Tom Heinsohn is remembered for his 6-decade-long association with the, (American Professional Wrestling Commentator Known for His Antagonistic Schtick), (Former Ice Hockey Player and Co-Host of the NHL Broadcast 'Coach's Corner'), (American Professional Wrestling Commentator and Podcaster), (A Canadian Sports Announcer, Commentator and Mental Health Advocate). Fisher has a controversial past but is very adept at imposing himself and his views. Champion has had a wide range of experience throughout his hallowed career, having spent time with BBC Sport, ITV Sport, Setalanta and ESPN, with the latter being his current employers. "Pass is caught by Owens, Owens made the catch." Chick Hearn was the Iron Man of sports announcers. Football Commentating Years On TV:1982-2009 (ITV, Eurosport, Sky, Channel 4). But when the legendary men behind the microphone turn a phrase fit to grace a great sporting moment, it can transcend the action itself. Michael Buffer has also appeared in popular talks shows like Late Night with David Letterman. Miles Harrison Harrison is Sky Sports' lead rugby commentator and has built up an impressive rugby commentary CV. He is respected and revered by most fans and players for his unbiased opinions and arguments. Andy Gray, who also had a stellar career in top-flight football with the likes of Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton and West Bromwich Albion, has had a stop-start career in media due to several disciplinary issues. After retiring as a player, Cris Collinsworth became a sports broadcaster. Erin Andrews is an American television personality and sportscaster. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Updated 18:10, 6 JUN 2022. "Oh! Most of these were at the Olympic Games, of which he went to 12 and twice commentated on the opening and closing ceremonies. 17:36 BST 29 Jan 2009 Tyldesley is often seen commentating on Champions League games (he has covered the last seventeen finals) as well as important FA Cup matches. Alex Karras was an American footballer, sportscaster, actor, and professional wrestler. Check out our list of famous sports commentators who have made a mark in their field. Your favourite commentators & their phrases, 'Oh I say!' The late Peter Alliss was synonymous with golf and is among the most-loved UK sports commentators of all time. List of British football commentators This is a list of media commentators and writers in the United Kingdom on the sport of Association football . Hes never had a cellphone. You have to say he was magnificent. Renee Paquette is a Canadian television personality and host. Peter Drury is perhaps the best football commentator in the Premier League at the moment. Is downright criminal. Champion has been there and done it. Walker will probably always be classed as the ultimate Formula 1 commentator. First match included Tony Yeboahs wonder goal. Video, 00:01:17, Up Next. Donovan Bailey, once the fastest man on earth, is a track and field legend having competed at world class level throughout the 1990s. There are no winners, only survivors." Enberg died of a massive heart attack in 2017, at 82 years old, and just one year after his official retirement. Mauro Ranallo is a Canadian sports commentator who is currently signed with the popular MMA organization Bellator as a play-by-play announcer. Motty himself says it changed his life. Your top commentators, Up Next. , updated Football Commentating Years On TV:1968-1998 (ITV). Away from live matches, Brackley became one of the first commentators to lend his voice to a football video game, in the Pro Evolution Soccer series. This association with Italian football deepened even further a year later, when Brackley was signed by Channel 4 as their main commentator, after buying the rights to Italian football. Over 25 years after his death, Howard Cosell remains the most well-known sports announcer of all time. His timing was always perfect whatever the pace of the match. His career came to an unceremonious end following tabloid headlines of an extramarital affair in 1997, and he never returned to broadcasting. Fortunately, Davies was more than talented to cover other sports during his time at the BBC, including hockey, gymnastics, athletics, cycling, beach volleyball and badminton. The Lancashire man, who has a stellar career with ITV at the moment, is truly one of the best commentators that English football has ever seen. UK-based video journalist Brady Haran is known for his popular YouTube math channel Numberphile. Billy Packer, Primary networks: NBC, TNT, MSG Network, YES Network. Mann has a very distinctive voice and has worked on BBC television since 2006. Wolstenholme was the original TV football commentator. (+10) Diane Abbott. "Keep listening. In 2007, he so nearly left to go to the doomed network, Setanta Sports, to commentate on their Premier League matches, but ended up signing a new contract with Sky. Being a top-level player himself, his understanding of the game is several notches higher than those of his colleagues but his graceful conduct shows the character of the man. GERALD SINSTADT A commentator, presenter, reporter, writer and narrator. By 1986, he jumped to the national stage and was the lead play-by-play announcer for The NHL on NBC before going international as the play-by-play announcer for hockey at the 1992 Winter Olympics. 'Oh I say!' He's also got his name on the best-selling video game series of all time. Sadly, Brian Moore would not get long to enjoy his retirement. He began his broadcasting career in 2016. He led Eurosports commentary team for the 1990 World Cup in Italy, impressing so much that Sky used him for their Serie A coverage. And so unnecessary." At the same point when Geoff Hurst gets his hat-trick goal, Johns says,Hurst, he could make it three he has! There's something soothing about turning on a game and hearing the familiar voice of an announcer we know, love and trust. He has worked for BT Sport and NBCSN, and in his wide career, has covered the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and two editions of the FIFA World Cup. The job of a radio commentator is so much tougher than a TV commentator because you really have to paint the picture. Dick Vitale, Sports: NFL, MLB, NBA, college football, college basketball, tennis, auto racing, golf, soccer, horse racing. Nantz isn't just the Masters, however. No doubt about it. How good was Summerall in the booth? Football Commentating Years On TV:1951-1971 (BBC), In 1966, Kenneth Wolstenholme gave an unscripted delivery of fourteen words that are the most famous in British sports commentary;Some people are on the pitch they think its all over it is now!. Football Commentating Years On TV:1971-2018 (BBC). Who could forget "He's still Michael Jordan"? The arc and influence of his career is still felt in every sports broadcast we view today. John Motson, who began his illustrious career in 1971, is one of the most senior football commentators in the circuit, having covered close to 2000 games on TV and radio. Englands Longest Unbeaten Run in International Football. But his description of Shaun Teales penalty forAston Villain their dramatic shootout win over Tranmere Rovers in the 1994 League Cup semi-final will take some beating,The man nicknamed John Wayne by his manager, gets off his horse, ties it up to the post, pulls out the gun, gets finger on the trigger and fires the bullet right down the middle.Genius. 8. Be the first one to comment on this story. It's easy to see (and hear) why. However, his views are respected by millions of fans worldwide, who know him best for being the commentary partner of Clive Tyldesley in EA Sports' FIFA videogame series until 2012, when he was replaced by Alan Smith. Nigel Starmer-Smith Starmer-Smith played seven Tests for England, but found his niche as a journalist and commentator. Their voices and personalities changed the game. Peter Kostis is a famous golf analyst and instructor who has taught some pretty big names to play golf over the years. Very likeable. "Ive got the job I want. Waxing lyrical with his words and showering praises only when they are truly deserved, Drury has the ability to enhance the viewing experience that is offered by a football match. Alan Parry started his media career on BBC Radio, before moving to television in 1981 to commentate on Match Of The Day. Jim Beglin is one of the few professional commentators in the Premier League who have played top-flight football themselves. Coleman also had the honour of describingGordon Banks incredible stop from Pele in the 1970 World Cup. Allis may be best known now as an effortless commentator but he was a fine professional player before picking up the mic. Darren Fletcher BT Sport's main commentator for the last few years is one of the best around right now. Madden was so good in the booth that wherever the NFL's biggest television contract went, Madden usually followed. Bill Raftery held the title as the greatest prep basketball scorer in New Jersey history for 35 years and was a star at La Salle and a coach at Fairleigh Dickinson and Seton Hall before he moved into the broadcasting booth, where he seemed to find his true calling. In addition to this, Champion has also commentated in the 2006 and 2018 FIFA World Cups. In a sport well known for prickly, sensitive players, Alliss earned acclaim for calling out players for what he thought was poor behavior, which didn't always make him the most popular guy in those circles. When not working, Rob can be found on the M6 travelling up to watch his (not so local) side Liverpool or out on his bike for hours on end probably listening to endless football podcasts. However, after being replaced by David Coleman as top commentator, Wolstenholme left the corporation in 1971. An eight-time Pro Bowl running back and former NFL Most Valuable Player, Gifford became even more famous after he transitioned to the broadcasting booth. He began working as a radio announcer in the 1920s and was thought, along with his father, to have broadcast the first horse race, ever, alongside his father in 1925. Packer's eccentricities off the court rubbed people the wrong way sometimes including when he hired a psychic to find the weapon in the O.J. Still only 47, so plenty of time to become one of the greats. 1 Dick Enberg Michigan, USA, Mount Clemens 58 votes Richard Alan Enberg (January 9, 1935 - December 21, 2017) was an American sportscaster. If you don't receive an email, please check your spam or Promotions Tab and "move us" to your primary inbox! ROB HAWTHORNE Regular on Sky Sports since 1995. In an industry dominated by white, male broadcasters and bosses who have never given much room for women or minorities, Lesley Visser was a trailblazer. To not have Bill McLaren on this list? One of the great corporate pitchmen of all time, Madden was reportedly earning around $5 million per year for the last decade of his career leading up to his retirement in 2009. But its probably his time with ITV that he is best remembered. Sportsmail Reporter after Pittsburgh's Jerome Lane shattered a backboard in 1988. Probably BBC 5 Lives most famous commentator. An Evening with Peter Alliss. GUY MOWBRAY Came from ITV has been BBCs lead football commentator for over a decade. It's sad that a new generation of baseball fans don't know Harry Caray. Although he has worked extensively with BBC Radio and Sky Sports in the past, Darke has also been employed by ESPN. PETER DRURY At ITV for years, now at BT Sport. This started off a rivalry between Davies and Motson, mainly portrayed in the media, which would go on until Davies stepped away from football in 2004. John Madden began his career as an announcer in 1979, following a decade as a coach for the Oakland Raiders, and would eventually become the first broadcaster to work for all four major networks. What's better than watching sports? Hewitt had something needed desperately in that era vision. Blofeld was brilliant at setting the scene and would talk in lengthy detail about what was on offer for lunch, sometimes more enthusiastically than when describing the cricket itself. He is credited with pioneering an announcing style which involves a distinctive rolling of certain letters. However, their job remains largely underrated as many people still fail to understand the importance of their work behind the camera. Have your say below: Favourite foreign players to have graced English soil, The most atmospheric stadiums in football, By Cris Collinsworth is a former American football player who played for the Cincinnati Bengals in the National Football League (NFL). Michelle Beadle is a sports reporter best known for her association with the popular cable sports channel, ESPN. Switched to Boxing for 10 years before returning to football. And he gave even simple phrases an unmistakable touch. Oh and what a great goal that was!The excitement in his voice summed it up for everyone watching at home. The simple scream ofAGUEROOOOOO!followed byI swear youll never see anything like this ever again!Perfect delivery and he was right, we certainly wont. Few announcers have made themselves as synonymous with a single event as Jim Nantz has done with the Masters, where it's hard to imagine anything but his voice narrating the action, which he's done since 1989. No British broadcaster is as beloved in the United States as Darke, who endeared himself to us with moments like his masterful call of Abby Wambach's legendary header in the 2011 Women's World Cup. Just look at his face! one of Davies most famous lines after Francis Lee scores a beauty against his old clubMan Cityin 1974. For those of us in the UK, the dulcet tones of Henry Longhurst, Peter Alliss, Alex Hay, Ewen Murray and Bruce Critchley have been indelible parts of many legendary moments broadcast on British television, whether it be on the BBC or Sky Sports. Burke began to gain fame in the early 2000s as the first woman to work on a broadcast for a New York Knicks game, then as one of ESPN's lead commentators on men's college basketball. She has collaborated with many major TV channels, such as BBC, ITV4, Sky Sports, ESPN, Star Sports, Setanta Sports, and Channel 4. (modern). Michael Buffer is an American ring announcer for professional wrestling and boxing matches. He taught Dan Marino, Maury Povich, and Mike Schmidt, to name a few. A number of football players have had a second career as writers or commentators. Perhaps the greatest soccer commentator of all time, Brian Moore began his career in newspapers before moving to radio broadcasts for the BBC in 1961, then shot to fame as part of the broadcast team for England's 1966 World Cup victory. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. But Harlan is adept at injecting humor whenever he can. Joe Buck. P.S. Michael "Doc" Emrick got his nickname for earning his Ph.D. from Bowling Green State, and he carried it with him for a lifetime. The movie. "We will see you tomorrow night." "Have you ever seen a defensive back with a good personality who was any good?" Gifford was at his best on "Monday Night Football." Probably better known as the voice of Robot Wars, some consider Pearce to be one of the greatest. Your top commentators. Kenneth Wolstenholme died in 2002, but with that commentary from 66, his legacy will live on forever. But it was football which was David Colemans first love, and he was always on hand with trivia and knowledge until his death in 2013. The poet of football commentary. Apart from playing for popular clubs like Arsenal and Birmingham City, Scott also represented the women's national football team. ( Getty: Stu Forster-ICC ) Help keep family & friends informed by sharing this article JOHN HELM Went to 4 World Cups with ITV (commentating on a 1994 semi-final), despite working mainly for Yorkshire television. That last one was a derivative of his most famous call of all time "Send it in, Jerome!" And it got us thinking: Who is the greatest British football commentator of all time? Commentated on Liverpools 2005 Champions League win. Massively underrated. Tyldesleys commentary ofAnd Solskjaer has won it!has gone down in Manchester United folklore. degree from William Mitchell College of Law and practiced law for several years before entering public life. Weve shared a clip of each of them in action to help you identify each of them. Brian Moore is sometimes praised as "Father of English football commentary". Costas worked for NBC for 40 years and won 29 Emmy Awards, and no game ever seemed too big for the Queens, New York, native. So, in reverse order, Football Commentating Years On TV:1958-81 (BBC). The legendary Brian Moore, who is unofficially considered to be the father of English football commentary, was perhaps the first man to have brought the profession into the realm of the general public. As a politician, he is a member of the Republican Party. Dick Enberg's epic career as a play-by-play man lasted a stunning 60 years and, to borrow one of his catchphrases, "touched 'em all" when it came to the sports he covered. Harlan entered the conversation as an all-time great with his call of this LeBron James dunkin the 2008 Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics. Over the years there have been some incredible TV commentators. The classic combinations of him in the booth paired with Don Meredith and Howard Cosell, then with Al Michaels, are simply some of the greatest announcing teams of all time. He is credited with inventing the terms "slam dunk" and "air ball" and countless other legendary Chickisms. ", "This is going to be a long three minutes here." As well as those World Cup finals, Johns oversawManchester Uniteds 1968 European Cup triumph and Englands infamous 1-1 draw with Poland in 1973 which denied them a place at the following years World Cup. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Craig Burley: I hit the bottle after Setanta gave me the axe, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_British_football_commentators&oldid=1118144227, This page was last edited on 25 October 2022, at 12:20. He has commentated in most Manchester derbies in recent times along with partners Jim Beglin and Martin Tyler but has proved to be one of the best when it comes to relating or narrating exquisite scenarios. Former Providence College basketball star Doris Burke finished her career with the Friars as the school's career assists leader before transitioning into a broadcasting career in the early 1990s covering Big East women's and men's basketball. Gifford did what many couldn't do in the booth when it came to ex-athletes. So far Sportsmail's expert team have listed football's greatest wingers, hard men and FA Cup heroes - amongst others. Football Commentating Years On TV:1981-present day (BBC, ITV, Sky). . During this time, Brackley also re-joined ITV, featuring prominently in their coverage of four World Cups and three European Championships between 1994-2006. Video, 00:00:46, Richie Benaud: a legend remembered. Football has benefitted tremendously from this and the people who take the beautiful game to various homes across the world - the commentators - are widely applauded for their contributions. They are our eyes and ears in the ground. Read about our approach to external linking. Born: June 21, 1960 (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), Sports: NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, Primary networks: CBS, ESPN, Westwood One. NBC aired 6.5 hours of taped delayed coverage on Saturday, July 8, 1978, starting with the ladies final, and then the gentleman's final. Much appreciated! Source: punditfeed.com. As a commentator, Alison Mitchell has had to counter a presumption that men know more about sport. Mike Ingham did that brilliantly on BBC Radio 5 Live from 19772014. Also, the sixth entry was in fact said by Ron Pickering, not David Coleman. Oh, I say! Paul Gascoignes incredible free-kick inTottenhams FA Cup semi-final win overArsenalin 1991. His was a throwback voice, deep and operatic. Photo: Dave M Benett Source . He went on to be employed by both ITV and Channel 4 and his meticulous planning for every race ensured his knowledge of the drivers, teams and venues was second to none. It was difficult to leave some commentators off this list, so here are a few more names who wouldnt be out of place in a top 20: TONY GUBBA Spent half his time reporting for the BBC, but a classic commentator who was always at the major tournaments behind Motson and Davies. A number of football players have had a second career as writers or commentators. Read about our approach to external linking. Motson once went to cover an FA Cup tie at Wycombe Wanderers, only for the match to be called off due to a blizzard, which led to him reporting from Adams Park in a sheepskin coat; an item of clothing that he was associated with for the rest of his career. Doc Emrick, "Meanwhile, back at the ranch." The battles he had with managers in interviews were also well documented, especially with Brian Clough, who was obviously not afraid to tell Motson off on camera. In an era of truly terrible baseball with the Cubs, he was still a must-listen. The top 10 Female Sports Reporters and Presenters for the Year 2021 are shown in the following list. Born: May 17, 1959 (Charlotte, North Carolina), Sports: NFL, college basketball, NBA, golf. You can just imagine how Moore would have loved to have commentated on that game. There is no greater success story when it comes to sports commentating at a high level than Hall of Famer Bill Walton, one of the greatest basketball centers of all time. Video, 00:00:33A new 'Murrayism' on F1 Rewind, Isak has 'characteristics like Thierry' - Howe. It is! A commentator's depiction of the action on the pitch helps laymen understand the game better and adds to their viewing and listening pleasure. The view from Dortmund, If we want the title, we have to beat Man City - Arteta. She is best known for appearing in WWE, where she worked as an interviewer, presenter, and commentator from 2012 to 2020. An old school voice of ITV and also a very decent presenter. DARREN FLETCHER One of the new breed to come to TV from Radio Five Live. Doesnt his voice just take you back to your childhood and listening to the football on the radio because Sky didnt exist? He also worked for ABC and ESPN throughout his career. The late, great Peter Brackley. It was here where he became a household name, describing the action every Sunday on Football Italia from a studio in London. Her talent should have had her there much sooner. His was the sound of autumn, as much a part of the season as the crackle from the first bite of an apple, or the gold-tinged foliage, or the carved pumpkins on the front stoop.". McKay died in 2006, at 86 years old. Gray has been infamous for several reasons throughout his commentary career but he always presented the game in an unbiased and highly informative way.