Football Daily

The Commentators' View: Robot Wars, Cantona & Bodø

Jan 23, 2026
Jonathan Pearce, veteran commentator known for colourful radio and TV calls (and Robot Wars appearances). He shares tales of reshaping radio football, memorable on-air mishaps and his take on Cantona’s kung-fu kick. He also recalls Robot Wars backstage stories and reflects on travel to Bodø.
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ANECDOTE

Arctic Champions League Experience

  • Jonathan Pearce described traveling to Bodø in January and witnessing a Champions League match on an icy, welcoming town with blue skies.
  • He called the victory there a Hollywood moment and praised the local fans and manager for the club's rise.
INSIGHT

New Format Raises Broadcast Demands

  • Pearce found the new Champions League league-phase format exciting but tiring because commentators must follow permutations across many games.
  • He warned the format demands high awareness and can exhaust commentators.
INSIGHT

English Domination Could Harm Europe

  • Pearce warned that Premier League clubs' European dominance risks self-perpetuating imbalance across Europe.
  • He suggested more English representation may not be healthy for wider European football.
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