All Football Commentators Are Geeks!

This week we take you into the tunnel for City's post match title celebrations and to the Chelsea End of season awards. Also a look back at the season in numbers, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's number one fan and what happened when Crook tried to book a hotel room for the FWA Player of the Year dinner!

Michelle is back to help guide us through an episode that contains strong language from the start. There's a feature length chat with ITV and newly NBC commentator Clive Tyldesley, in which he discusses the disasters of Heysel and Hillsborough, the resignation of Ron Atkinson plus his work with Kick it Out. Also this week, the usually numbers and tales from the tunnels including a possible geeks exclusive about the Southampton boss and who he might be modelling his new look on!

This week Mark Saggers takes us through his rich broadcasting history from Sky and BBC Radio to talkSPORT talking about his colleagues that have made the art of sports commentary what it is. He discusses Lynam, Coleman, Motson and Alan Green as he takes us down memory lane. He also reveals how he prepares for those big moments he hosts like no other. Also this week Sam and Alex discuss the controversy at Leeds, the manager who you'd most like to have a beer with and the worst record signing of all time !  Tweet us your thoughts @AFCGeeks

This week Sam and Alex are joined by NBC Sportscaster and Crystal Palace fan Rebecca Lowe. Rebecca, who hails from Ealing, was the face of ESPN, Setanta and at one time a winner of a talent contest to be a BBC Football reporter. In a funny and enlightening interview she charts her progress from stalking Peter Crouch's mates at the bus stop to working on the biggest terrestial channel in the United States of America. Also this week, Crook reacts to the Manchester Derby, Sam reveals which manager is a germophobe and the guys ask if its ever ok to pre warn a manager about the questions you might ask in the tunnel.

This week the Geeks are joined by former Grandstand, Football Focus, Match of the Day, ESPN and BT man Ray Stubbs to talk Lynam, Rider and no regrets!  Also drinking Noel Gallagher under the table!! Plus Pep doesn't like criticism very much, Ole Gunnar gets caught out by an old team mate and Chris Hughton is furious....yes the nicest man in football really does get angry occasionally!

On this weeks episode the Geeks are joined by the Times Chief Football Writer Henry Winter who discusses how technology has completely changed the face of sports journalism, the evolution of the England team media strategy and why he would never take on his brother at Trivial Pursuit. It is a fascinating interview and a must for any young journalist. Also this week, Alex Crook goes to Coventry to find out why the local newspaper was banned for 2 years and to investigate if rumours that they could be homeless again are true. NB* An important point, Michelle is still pretty ill so all of her links are recorded seperately.

This week James Cooper from Sky Sports News tells Sam and Alex what life in Manchester is like without Jose Mourinho and why he thinks the Special One didn't succeed. Sam explains the issues with Marko Arnautovic's future and why Chelsea have a presentation problem with their current gaffer. Tales for the tunnel include getting a scoop from Ralph....because everyone else forgot and the commentating on the second biggest game in Europe this weekend - starring two third tier teams!!! PS Get well soon Michelle !

From Jon Champion to Kelly Cates, to Darren Fletcher via John Murray, these are just a sample of the interviews we have conducted on the AFC Geeks Podcast.  This compendium of some of our favourites brings you a flavour of they type of things we get up to every week. You can go back at anytime and listen to the interviews in full and remember we have another episode coming your way next week!

This week on the latest edition of the All Football Commentators Are Geeks podcast with Michelle Owen from Sky Sports News and Soccer Saturday , Sam Matterface from talkSPORT and ITV and Alex Crook from talkSPORT Match of the Day commentator Guy Mowbray talks about how he went from working in a brewery calling in the bailiffs, to commentating on the biggest game in the World…...  Plus what Scott Parker said after the mics went down, how Jurgen Klopp made his own self deprecating weather joke, and Sam on why he thinks VAR made a mistake this week...but not the one you think.   Crook says he won’t be shedding any tears when Huddersfield are dumped out of the Premier League - fins out why... And Portsmouth News journalist Neil Allen discusses why supporters still rely on local papers….. 

This week on the AFC Geeks podcasts, Michelle sits down with Julian Warren as they discuss filling in for Jeff Stelling on Soccer Saturday, Sam and Pep have an awkward conversation....again!!! Crook is heading to Cheltenham and why it felt like he was studying for exams. Plus the future of local coverage of your club, the former BBC radio Manchester commentator Ian Cheeseman give his assessment on an ever evolving medium.

This week with Sky Sports (ex ??) reporter Michelle Owen, talkSPORT and ITV's Sam Matterface and newspaper journo Alex Crook... How Poch had lost his rag, Pierre's penalty should've been retaken, Crook plays musical chairs with Ralph Hassenhuttl and the geeks are joined by their talkSPORT colleague Jim Proudfoot, who shares his own story of England World Cup woe. Plus in his own words "how I fell in love with Pep Guardiola after out first post-match encounter." Crook goes all starry eyed over Manchester City's boss. All on the Podcast that encroaches on other peoples territory like Jan Verthongen at a penalty kick - it’s all football commentators are geeks.

the brand new edition of the All Football Commentators Are Geeks podcast is out now with Michelle Owen from Sky Sports, Sam Matterface from talkSPORT and ITV  and Alex Crook from talkSPORT and national newspapers. This week former Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Southampton midfielder David Prutton reveals how made the leap from player to pundit to the main presenter of Sky’s EFL coverage . Crook tells us why Claude Puel’s Leicester sacking vindicates his controversial comment piece at the very start of the Frenchman’s tenure plus and what really went on between Maurizio Sarri and Kepa Arrizabalaga on the touchline at Wembley? 

On this week's podcast we welcome Italian speaking Matt Smith, the BT Sport anchorman who has worked presenting Cricket, Snooker, Football, Darts, and Cycling plus loads more besides. Sam has a headache, and Sarri's subs don't solve it. Michelle almost gets a headache as she crawls into the Exeter City commentary position and why did Frank Lampard make Crook angry at Brighton??

This week Arlo White, NBC's lead football commentator talks about describing the beautiful game for an emerging American audience! Plus Sky Sports inquisitor Patrick Davison on grilling Maurizio Sarri in the aftermath of Chelsea's defeat to Manchester City. Also where does the phrase hat trick come from? Where did Michelle find Graham Potter's Dad? And why did Crook tell Sir Alex how to spell his own name??? Its all on this weeks bumper edition of All Football Commentators are Geeks!

Crook is sunbathing but Jacqui Oatley and John Acres steal the show with great stories including the Cat Commentary from John that went viral! Michelle reveals what happened when she stood out side the Chelsea dressing room for an hour in the aftermath of the thrashing at Bournemouth. Jacqui talks about switching intellectual property for football commentary and wishing that her Match of the Day first didn't attract the level of attention it did. Plus Michelle phones in sick after freezing on deadline day, and Neil Warnock getting emotional.

This week Dan Walker comes straight off the air with Football Focus and speaks to the AFC Geeks crew at Fratton Park about his journey to Breakfast TV sofa via local radio, Match of the Day and few stops in between. Sam reveals the startling statistic that underpins the view that Marco Silva has serious work to do at Everton, Michelle outlines how a deadline day story can go wrong and Crook reminds us of a co commentator who rubbished his own team mate during a massive derby game! Plus penalty shootout drama and Michelle reacts to one twitter misognist.

This week Premier League winner Paul Parker discusses his former Manchester United team mates who have broken into the media, a cracking story about Gary Lineker and his surprise about Paul Scholes outspoken analysis. Also Sam reveals what happened when he tried to ask about Mesut Ozil's startling stats, Sarri's rant, Crook's persistence with Pellegrini, and Michelle on the effect on Cardiff after the disappearance of Emiliano Sala.

This week Ray Parlour talks about switching midfield duties with Arsenal for man marking talkSPORT Breakfast host Alan Brazil! Including how he had to bed down on a balcony in Monaco! Also an update on expected goals, Wily Boly's red card, and where was the veggie option at Manchester City?? Crook tells us that Spurs won't move into their new stadium this season, and why Huddersfield might already know the identity of their new manager!

Match of the Day commentator Steve Wilson joins the geeks to discuss his career as a top radio and television commentator. He discusses a trip to Norway with Jody Morris, and how Michael Johnson was the subject of his best ever call! Elswehere, we discuss Jurgen Klopp's excuse for losing at Wolves, discuss Puel and Howe. Plus whilst Sam is Dancing on Ice, is Maurizio Sarri skating on thin ice? Crooks double dip, and Michelle's mate Michael Flynn all feature on this episode of the All Football Commentators are Geeks podcast!

This week Sky Sports Darts, Speedway and talkSPORT football commentator Nigel Pearson joins the geeks to discuss Sid Waddell's impact on the sport and how he went from 'the pinkun' to the commentary booth at Ally Pally! Also Sam suggests it might be time for Unai Emery to get a translator, and what its been like watching United under Solskjaer. Crook discusses delaying Pep's press conference and Michelle is in love with a Championship manager!

This week the Geeks tell you how you should have known about Mourinho's sacking after Danny Murphy broke it on talkSPORT. Sam and Crook explain what happens next and Michelle questions why they would make the decision now. Plus why Pogba isn't the only Instagram agitator, and Lee Dixon explains what it was like working with Adrian Chiles, winning the double, and dealing with geeks like us!

This week Sky Sports and Radio Five Live journalist Kelly Cates talks about being part of the birth of Sky Sports News and fronting live Premier League football. She also discussing stepping out of her famous father's shadow and why family and football can mix. Also this week Leroy Rosenior promotes education and redemption for those accused of racism towards Raheem Sterling and how football stadia have become acceptable places to abuse people. Plus Crook on a Happy Klopp going top, and Pep gets emotional in the tunnel after defeat to Chelsea.

The legendary John Motson joins the Geeks for a discussion on how he never really retired, why Match of the Day is essential, and why innovation in the way we broadcast football isn't really necessary! Plus exclusives from the tunnels at Manchester United, Southampton, Chelsea and how Harry Potter World is more exciting this week than a round of midweek Premier League Fixtures !

They are back! The Geeks return with exclusive stories involving Neymar, Eden Hazard, Cesar Azpilcueta, Willian, and Nathan Ake. Crook get's all technical and reveals a new fad - Electric Socks. Michelle discusses the Sky Sports dress code and how she broke it and Sam explains the problems commentators face with pronunciations. The Geeks are also joined by the Evening Standard's Vaishali Bhardwaj.

Former Monday Night Football host and current face of ITV Racing Ed Chamberlin talks about jilting Carragher and Neville for his new stable, Southampton's struggles and how to making Racing accessible to all. Crook reveals how Watford nearly left Nathaniel Chalobah behind at St Marys, Michelle tells us how waiting so long for a Championship manager caused her a doggy dilemma and Sam is not a fan of Selhurst Park...not sure Roy Hodgson is either!!

BBC Radio Football Correspondent John Murray talks us throw his transition from farm hand to football commentator in his familiar soothing tones. Sam reveals a conversation with Jurgen Klopp that might surprise you, and how Tony Mowbray made a faux pas when trying to impress Pep Guardiola. Alex Crook explains why the idea of a breakaway European Super League could happen and why the idea isn't that bad, and Michelle Owen is confused by a ram walking around a football ground. All on this episode of All Football Commentators are Geeks!

A podcast in two halves this week for understandable reasons. The first part of our podcast takes us to Leicester to talk to a reporter who had to change tact from his usual musings on goals and gaffes to a major tragedy unfolding in front of his eyes. We then move on to the way post match interviews are recorded before ultimately discussing our guest geek. We recorded our Jim White interview before the events of the 27th October at the King Power Stadium.

This week the Geeks are joined by BT Sport and Five Live commentator Darren Fletcher in a brilliant interview. He explains how he went from putting up ceilings to becoming one of the country's best. Also this week Michelle discusses being watched by a manager on instagram, Crook talks about his big exclusive being lost because someone died, and Sam explains why Expected Goals or XGs are very very important!

Danny Mills might not look like he is enjoying himself most of the time, but he is. He certainly enjoys being a football pundit, and not sitting on the fence! He certainly doesn't in our interview as he talks massive egos, a boss he wasn't fond of, and travelling with difficult people. Also, Crook tells us his anxiety about holding on to a huge exclusive in order to release at just the right moment, Sam updates us on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Michelle is pretty concerned about parking at Brentford! Plus Johnny Cantor from BBC Sussex talks about the rise and fall of Brighton & Hove Albion.

Danny Higginbotham joins the regular geeks to explain his transition from dressing room to commentary box and how Gordon Strachan once almost took out a goalkeeping coach with a tea cup. Sam tells us what Jose Mourinho was told by his MD in the tunnel at Old Trafford about continuing in his job, Michelle tell's about a menacing message from a manager and a secret tattoo, Harry Redknapp expels Crook and we explain the reasons behind anonymous 'sources'.

This week the Geeks talk to legendary Boxing and Football commentator Ian Darke from BT, ESPN and formerly of Sky discussing his wide ranging career including going from Boxing to Football and back again, what do you say when Mike Tyson bites someone's ear off and how he became a national hero in the United States. Michelle talks us through her first meeting with another of the Geeks, Sam has a problem with a translator, and Crook explains why English football is being ruined by it's Americanifcation (if that's even a word!!).

In the first 'proper' episode BT/ESPN & ITV commentator Jon Champion reveals how he first got offered a a way into football broadcasting whilst regaling his batting expertise in a cricket club bar, how good he is at the computer game he lent his voice to for years and much more in a in depth interview. Crook explains why Paul Pogba's appearance in the mixed zone is unnecessary, and argues Pochettino is better than Mourinho. Meanwhile Sam looks ahead to Liverpool vs Chelsea 1 and 2, Michelle is not happy about the damage stadium food is doing to her insides, and answers your questions about female commentators. There's Stat or Spin, plus why Brighton's Lewis Dunk was left to find his own way back from Southampton. Come with us as we bring you the tales from the tunnel, the commentary box chatter, and all the behind the scenes action from the world of football broadcasting.

This is coming soon.....

New ground broken. Sam Matterface, Michelle Owen, and Alex Crook geek out together for the first time in the new podcast designed for the real geeks of the football world. Stat or Spin get's it first airing, Crook hunts down Cristiano Ronaldo for a World Exclusive, Sam explains why England aren't as bad as people are making out and Michelle's dog interupts her fascinating backstory. Did you know she used to play in the Women's Premier League??