"Bloke-based banter" and live sports on Talksport (Talk Sport)

Member Name: tallpete33

Product:	Talk Sport
Date:	08/08/09 (148 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Informative, often very funny, live sports

Disadvantages: Adverts, AM reception can be poor in the car

As I work on shifts both days and nights, thanks to the beauty of the internet I have listened to all of Talksport's shows over the years so fell pretty well qualified to write about it! It does what it says on the tin i.e. it is talk radio with a sports leaning but is much more than that to me. Unashamedly aimed at "blokes" probably in the 20-50 years range it is a mixture of sport, current affairs, humour, phone-ins, competitions and general chaos at times. It is not a sexist station at all though, the "bloke based-banter" and "post-match debating" is done with tongue firmly in cheek and many female listeners do call in and have their say.

The presenters are a good mix of seasoned journalists, professional presenters and ex-pro footballers and cricketers. The format is pretty fluid as far as the presenters go, the "teams" change regularly but as there are very few weak links this is never a problem and helps keep it fresh. Mostly sponsored by commercial vehicles and lagers, the station really comes alive during the footie season with a lot of live coverage but does feature many other sports - rugby and cricket have their own shows. Some of the links voiced by a Finchy (from the Office) sound-alike (maybe it is him?) are very near the knuckle but often hilarious. It is a good and more lively alternative to Radio 5 Live or local radio stations.


PRESENTERS
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ALAN BRAZIL

"MAAAARNING!" roars the Glaswegian Ipswich (Spurs, Man U etc for the record) legend at 6am, probably having only arrived at the station about 2 minutes earlier for the start of The Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast. Despite being sacked for non-appearance after the 2004 Cheltenham Festival, the colourful and controversial Mr Brazil was re-instated, wrists well and truly slapped though champagne lifestyle still intact by all accounts. He is an opinionated and lively presenter, always entertaining and takes no prisoners, his main whipping boy being newsreader Iain "The Moose" Abrahams. Loves a sherbet and this was well documented in "There's an Awful Lot of Bubbly in Brazil", a book written by fellow Talksportist, Mike Parry.

RONNIE IRANI

Ex-Essex and England cricketer "Chicken Biriani" joined big Al on the breakfast show in 2007 and whilst very much the underdog on air, he makes a good contribution to the show, his cricket knowledge proving invaluable during the current Ashes series. Can't say I'm a big fan of his Lancashire drawl though to be honest, particularly as he professes to be an Essex boy these days.

MIKE "PORKY" PARRY

Seasoned journalist, the Pork-meister has been a Talksport stalwart for many years, a lot of those spent on the breakfast show with Mr Brazil which may have contributed to his dodgy ticker ! The ginger-bonced, short armed self-proclaimed "seeker of truth and justice" comes up with some weird and wacky ideas but is often very entertaining while he continues his quest for the first Mrs Parry. He was one of the reasons I first started listening.

ANDY TOWNSEND

Fairly new signing, the ex Villa/Chelsea/Norwich/Republic of Ireland (etc) midfielder, Andy often plays Good Cop to Mike Parry's Mad Cop on their late morning show. An intelligent ex-pro, he brings a lot to the table and talks a lot of good sense, hence his frequent appearances in front of the TV cameras at European matches.

HAWKSBEE & JACOBS

A friendly and entertaining duo who have made the afternoon slot their own, Paul Hawksbee and Andy Jacobs bring their own brand of humour and chat to a great show, a Talksport staple. One's a Spurs supporter, the other Chelsea (don't ask which) so the "banter" is quite lively at times. Worth listening to for the Clips of the Week slot on Friday alone, where Mssrs Parry and Brazil feature regularly, if not exclusively!

WRIGHTY & DURHAM

My dream team for 'Bow Time (the drive time slot sponsored by Strongbow), these two always put on a lively three hours for your delectation. Ex Palace and Arsenal legend Ian Wright wears his heart on his sleeve and speaks with passion, honesty and humour. His mangling of the English language can be hilarious at times but he comes across very well on air, miles better than on TV IMO. Devils Advocate and Posh fan (a coincidence I'm sure) and another ginga, Adrian Durham likes to play the bad guy and is not afraid to tell it how he sees it. This lead to a classic on-air confrontation with Jamie Carragher when Durham accused the Liverpool defender of bottling it for retiring from international football rather than fight for his place. He often presents match-day live with aplomb.


MICK QUINN

Pie fan and ex-footballer (in no particular order), the Newcastle "legend" brings charm and Scouse wit to the various shows he doubles up on. Good guy and a great listen.

JASON CUNDY

Wasn't too keen to start with to be honest but the ex-Chelsea man has warmed to the task and is now a humorous and clever presenter who isn't afraid to speak his mind, much to the chagrin of Jack Bannister, the station's cricket commentator. I recently saw him on a celebrity "A Place in the Sun" on TV where he was checking out £1m pads in the South of France with his beautiful wife. Where did it all go wrong Jase ??

JEREMY KYLE

Often on on Sunday afternoons, champion of the chavs, Kyle is a bit full of himself as you'd expect but knows enough about sport to hold his own nicely.

KEITH ARTHUR

Famous angler (well he's on Sky) Mr Arthur presents his piscatorial programme "Fisherman's Blues" between 6am and 8am every weekend. The guy has an encyclopaedic knowledge of every lake, river and tackle shop home and abroad and his show is one of those laid back and friendly affairs that non-anglers can enjoy as well.

DANNY KELLY

Ex squaddie and relative newbie, the "rotund legend" and Spurs fan presents with vim and vigour and obviously loves his job. Speaks like a true and unashamed fan down the pub. At his best with Mr Collymore . . .

STAN COLLYMORE

I'll admit I was amazed when I first heard car-park fan Stanley on air but to be honest he deserves his slot(s). The Cannock born footballer has a fast and furious style, is very articulate for a Midlander (joke!) and is one of the few presenters who can carry a show solo, in fact he seems to prefer it. Now seems to own the post match phone-in on a Saturday. He can be outspoken but has played at the top, is very knowledgeable and never shies from a question.

IAN COLLINS

Often has the morning slot and filled in a lot for Jon Gaunt before his sacking, but is usually on from 10pm to 1am now with his current affairs discussion and phone-in. Seems to have a thing for KFC - a bucket of the "Colonel's finest" seems to gets a mention on every show lol ! Informed and opinionated, he's a good listen.

DARREN GOUGH

Fast bowler turned dancer, "Goughie" often gets a spot on 'Bow time and is a lively presenter but with dodgy taste in music. Typical Yorkshireman, blunt and outspoken, he is an asset to the show - in small doses !

TONY CASCARINO

Not on much these days but the journeyman striker most famously known for playing for Ireland when he wasn't Irish, is a straight talking and funny guy. OK, I'm a Millwall fan so I'm biaised towards the "Cas" but he does make a valuable and often hilarious contribution when on-air. Last seen running from a poker tournament in Vegas followed by 5 security guards....

ADRIAN GOLDBERG

Has the dubious distinction of carrying the night shift. Friendly and calm, he handles the insomniacs, drunks and pervs with aplomb.

GEORGE GALLOWAY

Last but not least, cat impersonator, ex-friend of Saddam Hussein and all-round colourful and controversial character, Gorgeous George hosts his late night phone-ins at the weekend. Not for me....


INFO
===

Talksport was officially born in 1998 after former Sun editor Kelvin Mackenzie purchased Talk Radio and turned it into the sports orientated commercial radio station I know and love now. It broadcasts on 1053 and 1089am as well as DAB.

Listen live on www.talksport.net

Summary: Best station for sports fans out there