It Started With a Kick Episode 93 : Ian Darke
Ian Darke is a true doyen of the football broadcasting world, having commentated on countless Premier League matches, as well as FA Cup Finals, Champions League games and a fair, few World Cups for a variety of broadcasters both in UK and abroad. Ian’s first match at Fratton Park was in 1957 when he was a young boy carried on his father’s shoulders to watch Portsmouth beat Sunderland 3-2. In the pod we delve into Ian’s treasure chest of commentary jewels including his first ever commentary for hospital radio which did not quite go according to plan, as it was never broadcast.
One of Ian’s most memorable journeys was travelling to the US for 1994 World Cup and as he arrived the infamous OJ Simpson chase was in full swing. Not only that but there was a minor earthquake which he managed to sleep through. In amongst countless football assignments his first trip to the States, Ian was also asked to cover boxing for the BBC and his first interview just happened to be with Muhammad Ali in las Vegas. One of his favourite moments came at Italia 90 when Gerry Francis was confused with Trevor Francis.
Part 1 – https://bit.ly/4b92oQe
Part 2 – https://bit.ly/4a7zAXh
It Started With a Kick Episode 94 : Jonathan Northcroft
Jonathan Northcroft is the Chief Football writer for the Sunday Times where he has worked for almost 30 years, having initially worked for the Glasgow Herald, Scotland on Sunday and the Independent. Jonathan is an Aberdeen fan, the fourth on this show, following BBC Scotland’s Phil Goodlad, Derek Rae and Graham Hunter and one of the most popular clubs represented. So without further ado, we head to Pittodrie in 1978 for Jonathan’s first match, which there is a slight bone of contention….
There is even talk of Jonathan having penned his first article at the tender age of six about the 1978 World Cup, which charted Scotland’s not so glorious march with Ally’ MacLeod’s army in Argentina. Alongside his many awards for football writing, Jonathan’s claim to fame on the pitch came during a Scotland England press match at Euro 96 when he managed to keep the opposition ringer quiet, a certain Mark Bright.
Part 1 – https://bit.ly/49XmUAW
Part 2- https://bit.ly/49SL93e
The Football Mine 