BARNSLEY Player Commentary Team

Matt Bailey and Adam Brammer

E-mail website@barnsleyfc.co.uk

Text Your Match Day Thoughts To: 07508 472415.

BARNSLEY PLAYER COMMENTARY TEAM - BEHIND THE MIKE!

Matt Bailey

How long have you been commentating on the Reds?

Since September 1996 when I joined Oakwell 1575am as Steve Pearson's summariser. My first game was a 3-0 home win against Stoke City. Barnsley were promoted to the Premier League at the end of the 1996/97 season, it was an amazing campaign and hugely enjoyable to work on. After a few solo attempts when Steve was away, I became a commentator in my own right when Adam Brammer joined us.

How did you get involved with Barnsley Player?

After the demise of the radio station in 2008 we were asked to front the commentary on Barnsley World, which became Player last year.

What's your favourite moment commentating on the Reds?

As a summariser - the first Premier League game against West Ham, such a fantastic occasion having followed the club through the Divisions. As a commentator - the incredible 2008 FA Cup quarter final win v Chelsea, even though we probably didn't get many listeners due to TV coverage. One of the highlights of that day for me was interviewing Motty & Lawro before kick off.

What's the funniest thing you've had to commentate on?

There's been loads of daft moments. The one that sticks out for me was a match against Brighton at Oakwell in August 2003 when I was under the misapprehension that the visitors were leading for about 20 minutes during commentary, until Adam pointed out that their goal had in fact been disallowed! We actually won 1-0 in the end, thankfully, although my face was as red as our shirts.

What's your earliest memory of following the Reds?

Me and my Dad jumped on the Allan Clarke bandwagon in 1978/79 and I recall the players lining up in the centre of the pitch before certain matches and waving to all four sides of the ground, then kicking replica footballs into the crowd. There was a game that season when me and my mate were leaning on the advertising hoardings in the Brewery end (East Stand these days) and the ball went out for a throw in just beneath us, we both leaned over to pick it up but somehow got stuck halfway. Mick McCarthy jogged over, picked up the ball and lifted us both back to our feet in one smooth movement. What a man, what a player!

What's the best thing about being a Barnsley Player Commentator?

Everything. It's brilliant being a fan with a microphone - although it has been a tough task ensuring any expletives haven't slipped out over the years. I've been working on Reds' games for 14 years now and there have been plenty of peaks and troughs, but I've always considered it to be a privilege to commentate on the team I love.

Adam Brammer

How long have you been commentating on the Reds?

I think I joined the commentary team in 2002. I'm not sure what that equates to in terms of matches commentated on, but I reckon I must be closing in on about 500.

How did you get involved with Barnsley Player?

I started out by doing a five minute slot on Supporters Club news every home game on Oakwell AM. I really enjoyed myself and became good friends with Dave Parker who was the main presenter and station manager at the time. Eventually I was asked if I wanted to join Steve Pearson and Matt Bailey as a third member of the commentary team in the role of Summariser - an opportunity I jumped at. Somewhere along the line I acquired the prefix 'Expert', although as listeners will testify, I am anything but!

What's your favourite moment commentating on the Reds?

There are plenty to choose from, but the one which stands out is the FA Cup victory over Liverpool at Anfield in 2008 - I'll never forget the heroics of Luke Steele on his debut or the moment Brian Howard hit the winner in front of the Kop in the last minute. I think I leapt up in the press box - which was very unprofessional - and then realised I was surrounded by thousands of Scousers so I promptly sat back down!

What's the funniest thing you've had to commentate on?

It's hard to beat Matt Bailey's infamous on air 'heated debate' with a couple of Preston fans during our victory at Deepdale in 2009/2010. They were clearly unhappy at the way their team were being taken apart by the Reds and took exception to our unbiased commentary! It all ended up with Matt politely saying to one of them 'see you outside after'. Wisely the supporter in question was nowhere to be seen come the final whistle,

What's your earliest memory of following the Reds?

The first match I can remember attending was an FA Cup tie at Highbury in 1987, which if I remember rightly finished 2-0 to the Arsenal with 'Champagne' Charlie Nicholas notching one of the goals. However, my Dad reckons the first game I attended was in the less glamorous surroundings of Brunton Park - home of Carlisle United - in the late 1970's although I was only a couple of years old at the time!

What's the best thing about being a Barnsley Player Commentator?

First and foremost we are all true Reds fans on the commentary team so it is a great opportunity to follow the team up and down the country and try our best to convey the atmosphere and emotion of matches for those who can't attend (many of our listeners live abroad). We are also in a privileged position because we get a glimpse 'behind the scenes' on a matchday and I especially enjoy attending post match press conferences - it's great to hear what the respective managers have to say about the game and have the opportunity to ask them questions.