The Commentators’ View: FA Cup fever & fox in the box

May 16, 2025

Join the lively discussion that dives into the thrill of commentating on the FA Cup Final, filled with personal anecdotes and professional insights. Experience Ali's adventurous Arctic expedition, and share the nostalgia of Goodison Park's future as it dodges demolition. Discover the emerging concept of the ‘commentator’s blessing’ and have a laugh with football idioms and humorous anecdotes. Engage in a friendly trivia challenge about football terminology, celebrating the rich language of the sport and what it means to fans everywhere.

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ANECDOTE

FA Cup Final's Unique Broadcast Charm

Commentators Ian Dennis and John Murray regard the FA Cup Final as a uniquely special broadcasting event steeped in tradition.
Despite modern scheduling challenges, it still holds a revered place for broadcasters and fans alike.

ANECDOTE

Arctic Hiking Adventure

Ali Bruce-Ball shares an experience hiking the Emperor's Cairn above Bodø during a trip to the Arctic.
The scenic walk offered stunning views and local culture, enriching the football-related trip.

INSIGHT

Guard of Honour Should Command Respect

John Murray criticizes fans booing Arsenal during Liverpool's guard of honour as disrespectful.
He argues respect should be shown during guard of honour moments regardless of prior grievances.

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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?

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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.