[Albion] Best local radio commentator

[Deano's Invisible Pants]

With a lack of current Albion action to feast upon, I've been enjoying some of the old videos on the club website - particularly those involving our ever-partisan (in a good way) local commentators. For me, the best local match day commentator blends broadcasting professionalism, an articulate style, knowledgeability of both sets of players, but with a natural bias, an ability to think and feel like a fan and convey fan-like ecstasy when we score, or secure that crucial point or 3.

It got me thinking, which local radio commentator has been our all-time favourite? I remember John Lees and Tony Millard in the 80s and 90s as well as the late great Brackers who then went on to bigger things. However, as a BHA fan, I reckon the two most enjoyable to listen to have been Andrew 'goal for Brighton & Hove Albion' Hawes, and Johnny 'he's simply box office' Cantor. Sorry - not sure of the name of the current chap, with the Aussie-twang who covers games for MyAlbionTV.

 

[thedonkeycentrehalf]

No Jim Proudfoot or Neil Coppendale on the list? Damn kids!

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

A big shout for Warren Aspinal. I really do enjoy listening to him and he provides the right balance of passion and analysis. Unlike a lot of radio commentators, and because of his style and also his connections I guess, I find he conveys a very holistic view of each match incredibly well. I’m not sure he could do this in general, but for Albion games and my listening he is brilliant.

 

[Machiavelli]

A big shout for Warren Aspinal. I really do enjoy listening to him and he provides the right balance of passion and analysis. Unlike a lot of radio commentators, and because of his style and also his connections I guess, I find he conveys a very holistic view of each match incredibly well. I’m not sure he could do this in general, but for Albion games and my listening he is brilliant.

Agreed JC and Waspinall are a great combo too

 

[Denis]

Agreed JC but can’t stand Warren Aspinal, sometimes I have to turn off the radio. His content is good but his voice drives me mad. Sorry Warren.

 

[Deano's Invisible Pants]

A big shout for Warren Aspinal. I really do enjoy listening to him and he provides the right balance of passion and analysis. Unlike a lot of radio commentators, and because of his style and also his connections I guess, I find he conveys a very holistic view of each match incredibly well. I’m not sure he could do this in general, but for Albion games and my listening he is brilliant.

I like Warren too - you get the inside track that comes from him being an ex-pro / BHAFC insider - yet he's not afraid to criticise the club. That said, I think he belongs in the category of 'summariser' rather than 'commentator'.

 

[Weststander]

JC is brilliant, better than all the national commentators including NSC’s favourite Pearce. Love his partnership with passionate and very honest Albion fan WA.

 

[Not Andy Naylor]

JC is probably the best of the lot, but it has to be said that John 'Voice of Sussex Sport' Lees is a total and absolute legend, while Millard was a unique broadcaster. His finest moment was undoubtedly leaving the mic open one evening during a match at The Goldstone back in the early 80s. Andy Ritchie failed to chase after a ball that was going out of play and those unmistakable tones came over the PA: '****ing Hell, pull your finger out, Andy!" He divided opinion among fans, players and managers but it was standing room only at his funeral with dozens unable to get in.

 

[ringmerseagulltoo]

Slightly off topic, but it annoys me when listening to commentary on Radio 5 that each commentator only does one half of each half.

On local radio, presumably for much less money, they do the full game and then the interviews. I much prefer the local radio way and think they should be applauded for their stamina.

Like so many things it life it seems, the more you are paid, the less you actually have to do.

 

[Taybha]

Not sure of his name but there has been yet another change of commentator for the Seagulls TV highlights , if there was a season long prize for the dullest ever commentator the season would be over already .... oh .

I'm guessing he was the only one to show up for the job vacancy , or the directive was you have to be very low key and uncontroversial as to not upset Gladys of hove and Mike from Withdean , the 2 listeners we usually have when there's no football on .


Anyway back to the question , not a clue , as i'm not sure where they live .

 

[Taybha]

Not sure of his name but there has been yet another change of commentator for the Seagulls TV highlights , if there was a season long prize for the dullest ever commentator the season would be over already .... oh .

I'm guessing he was the only one to show up for the job vacancy , or the directive was you have to be very low key and uncontroversial as to not upset Gladys of hove and Mike from Withdean , the 2 listeners we usually have when there's no football on .


Anyway back to the question , not a clue , as i'm not sure where they live .

 

[Eeyore]

The answers will be generational. Tony Millard's 'I go mad, we all go mad' has to be the best quote of all.

In the 70s we were only given radio link reports. Not many of them either. Johnny and Warren are a splendid double act. But it's hard to compare eras.

 

[Sarisbury Seagull]

A big shout for Warren Aspinal. I really do enjoy listening to him and he provides the right balance of passion and analysis. Unlike a lot of radio commentators, and because of his style and also his connections I guess, I find he conveys a very holistic view of each match incredibly well. I’m not sure he could do this in general, but for Albion games and my listening he is brilliant.

Agreed, love Warren, a proper converted Seagull. Passionate, entertaining, knowledgable and a gent.

I’ve always liked JC too but he has annoyed me this season with, I think, naive and wrong opinions about Potter. He persists with this line that under Potter we will be more entertaining but have to accept we will be poorer defensively and take a few large beatings. Well blatently that’s not true yet he still says it nearly every week. Our problem is not creating or taking enough clear cut chances.

I’ve got a bit annoyed by him, Harms and Durrans on the radio/Albion Unlimited this season generally with the constant harking back to Hughton and at times it comes across like they almost want Potter to fail.

 

[jakarta]

John Lees, when Sussex finally, finally won the County Championship he stopped his commentary and gave a rousing rendition of Sussex By the Sea.

Probably not in the BBC Training Manual...

 

[Saladpack Seagull]

John Lees, when Sussex finally, finally won the County Championship he stopped his commentary and gave a rousing rendition of Sussex By the Sea.

Probably not in the BBC Training Manual...

I voted JC for Albion commentary but for cricket it's got to be John Lees. His real passion for Sussex really shone through.

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

JC is brilliant, better than all the national commentators including NSC’s favourite Pearce. Love his partnership with passionate and very honest Albion fan WA.

This. I don't rate Pearce at all to be honest.