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BBC Radio 5 Live
The latest news, insight, analysis and big name guests from the Premier League and the Football League, plus Scottish, International and European football. Join us! Get in touch with us @5liveSport on social media and remember to leave us your ratings and reviews.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 8, 2025 • 22min
In Focus with Frank Lampard and Dion Dublin
Dion Dublin visits Coventry City's training ground to speak with manager Frank Lampard.The Sky Blues find themselves 5th in the Championship, with eight wins in their last nine games, having been 17th in the table when Lampard took charge. He talks about benefiting from 18 months out of management, his previous jobs, his time at Coventry so far and ambitions for the final 11 games of the season.

Mar 7, 2025 • 57min
The Commentators’ View: Media caviar & the Bayern buffet
Ian Dennis is back with John Murray & Ali Bruce-Ball to tell the stories behind the 5 Live commentaries. From John’s fancy food at PSG to seeing ‘episcopal purple’ in Notre-Dame. It’s Ian vs John in a Liverpool-themed Clash of the Commentators. And what will make it into the Great Glossary of Football Commentary?04:00 Ali gets glasses & football lookalikes
06:50 Using visual identifiers when players look similar
13:30 ‘Smash and grab’ for the Great Glossary?
18:40 Ian sees eight goals in Eindhoven
25:10 Caviar and runny cheese in Paris!
28:15 Back to the league in Clash of the Commentators
35:50 Great Glossary criteria are tightened up
40:20 Ali and John called into the Commentators’ Dock
52:30 ‘In and around’BBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries this weekend:
Sat 8 Mar 1500 Liverpool v Southampton,
Sat 8 Mar 1730 Brentford v Aston Villa,
Sun 9 Mar 1400 Chelsea v Leicester,
Sun 9 Mar 1630 Man Utd v Arsenal.

Feb 28, 2025 • 58min
The Commentators’ View: Peter Drury & episcopal eutopia
Peter Drury, a celebrated Sky Sports football commentator known for his poetic narration, shares fascinating insights on his journey in broadcasting. He discusses the 'commentator's curse' that he humorously attributes to Manchester United's woes. Engaging in a lively 'Clash of the Commentators' with John Murray, he reflects on the artistry of commentary while navigating the balance between emotion and objectivity. The duo also clarifies the intriguing criteria of their 'Great Glossary,' showcasing the rich language tied to football.

Feb 22, 2025 • 32min
In Focus with Matheus Cunha
Wolves forward Matheus Cunha shares his inspiring journey from Brazil to the Premier League. He talks about the challenges of battling relegation and the emotional highs of signing a new contract. Cunha reflects on his family's support and cultural transitions in sports. He also highlights the camaraderie with teammates and the impact of legends like Ronaldinho and Neymar on his career. With aspirations for international success, Matheus showcases his passion and resilience as he navigates his football dreams.

Feb 21, 2025 • 60min
The Commentators’ View: Yeo-ho-ho & Everton Stadium
John Murray and Alistair Bruce-Ball are joined by Chris Coles to talk commentary life. From keeping warm with Oliver Glasner to cringey early commentary moments, there are plenty of stories to be told. And Giulia Bould from BBC Radio Merseyside lifts the lid on the new Everton Stadium and reveals what ‘The Commentators’ View’ will be on Bramley-Moore Dock.03:15 Taking the Local Radio route
04:40 First games working at football
10:45 Oliver Glasner jumper-watch
12:45 Painting the pictures in commentary
15:40 Having your phone on the desk in commentary
17:15 Ian Dennis has the Marmoush bragging rights
21:35 Syncing up the radio with the TV pictures
23:30 THE match ball vs A match ball...
25:20 Housery in football
32:10 What is Everton’s new stadium like?
45:10 Clash of the CommentatorsBBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this weekend:
Fri 1945 Portugal v England in the Women’s Nations League,
Sat 1500 Arsenal v West Ham,
Sat 1730 Aston Villa v Chelsea starting on 5 Sports Extra,
Sun 1400 Newcastle v Nottingham Forest,
Sun 1630 Man City v Liverpool.

Feb 15, 2025 • 20min
In Focus with Graham Potter and Kelly Somers
West Ham boss Graham Potter speaks with Kelly Somers after a month in charge at the club.
Potter took the West Ham job after nearly two years out of management, following his sacking at Chelsea in April 2023.
In this chat he talks about being able to focus on his family for the first time in 12 years, how things ended at Chelsea and where he thinks he can take West Ham.

Feb 14, 2025 • 48min
The Commentators’ View: Ian’s Moscow mistake & Las Naranjas
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.

Feb 10, 2025 • 57sec
Vincent Kompany: The Golden Boy
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds. Vincent Kompany is one of European football’s most exciting young managers – so exciting, he got handed the keys to German giants Bayern Munich, the season after relegating Burnley from the Premier League to the Championship. It’s a strange trajectory, and at the time, his appointment in Munich raised more than a few eyebrows. How had Kompany gone from relegation to one of Europe’s biggest, most historic clubs? Was it because he was a student of Pep Guardiola, the ex-Bayern boss? Was he somehow failing upwards?This episode of Football Daily is hosted by documentary maker for Copa90, Eli Mengem. Eli heads off on a journey to understand how Kompany has had such a remarkable rise in football management by analysing his youth, playing career and early steps in management, speaking to his ex-teammate Kyle Walker, ex-manager Hugo Broos and others along the way. It maps Kompany’s rise, but also asks bigger questions too. We’ll speak to journalist at the Athletic Seb Stafford-Bloor about whether Kompany’s appointment is a harbinger for a new style of manager coming to the fore in Europe. And we’ll ask Troy Townsend, the ex-head of the UK’s anti-racism in football charity Kick It Out, about how Kompany’s experience as one of the very few black managers in Europe has affected his rise.As Kompany thrives in the Bundesliga in his first season, this episode of Football Daily arrives at the perfect time to dispel some of the myths around him, while examining his personality off the pitch, to create a portrait of what is one of the most fascinating personalities and footballing stories in the modern game.

Feb 7, 2025 • 59min
The Commentators’ View: Coconut flat whites & ‘verticality’
Jacqui Oatley, the first female football commentator on British Network Radio, shares her groundbreaking journey in a male-dominated industry and the pressures she faced. She battles it out in a fun Clash of the Commentators with John. Chris Jones, the BBC's rugby union correspondent, reveals the thrills of live commentary at the Six Nations, emphasizing the unique atmosphere of stadiums. The duo also swaps American and British football terminology, adding a humorous twist to the jargon of sports commentary.

Feb 4, 2025 • 44min
Euro Leagues: The man who built Ronaldo
Guillem Balague, a football journalist and Ronaldo expert, joins Julien Laurens, a French football commentator, and Mick Clegg, a former Manchester United performance coach. They delve into how Ronaldo has extended his career, sharing insights on his training and dedication. The discussion also covers busy January transfers in Europe, highlighting key signings and their potential impact. Finally, they assess Ousmane Dembele's progress, exploring whether he is finally meeting the high expectations placed upon him.