BBC Radio 5 Live’s chief football reporter Ian Dennis joins Hamish in this week’s episode. Ian has been at the BBC for 25 years and has worked for regional radio stations in York, Cleveland, Leeds and Newcastle as well as working for the national radio station, Radio 5 Live. Ian talks through his career to date, including the difficulties and changing relationship between the sports media and the players and reminisces on some special European nights at Anfield. With credit to BBC Radio 5 Live.

Follow Ian on twitter @Iandennisbbc

Time Codes

1:00-6:00- Ian’s early life and the beginnings of his career.

6:00-7:00- Going freelance early.

7:00-11:45- Establishing yourself at new places

11:45-14:30- The difference in establishing relationships as a regional reporter vs a national reporter.

14:30-19:30- The difficulties and the changing relationship between the sports media and the players.

19:30-23:45- How to keep calm and measured in commentary during the big moments (Liverpool vs Dortmund 4-3 and Liverpool vs Barcelona 4-0).

23:45-26:15- How to keep listeners engaged over the radio during a boring or dull game.

26:15-27:30- Having a bit of fun with commentary.

27:30-29:00- Challenges of football commentary.