If you are a Leeds fan and distant from the game, then your link, your lifeblood to the game is radio commentary. There’s Tom Kirwin and Eddie Gray on LUTV, Mark Wilson, Andrew Dawson and former boss Neil Redfearn on Radio Yorkshire but, for many, it’s BBC Radio Leeds where it’s at. Today it was announced by the club that BBC Radio Leeds’ deal for commentary had been extended.
Adam Pope, ex-Leeds striker Noel Whelan and Katherine Hannah are the trio tasked with bringing the game alive with their commentary and if you’ve listened to them, you’ll know that is what happens. Popey plays the straight man to the comedic colour that is Noel Whelan whilst poor Katherine is like the mother figure trying to keep her boys in line. Combine them all together and it really is a great commentary and one, if it hadn’t been extended, that Leeds fans would have missed.
But extended it has been, much to the delight of many. Leeds United Chief Executive Ben Mansford reported the club’s delight saying: “We are delighted to have extended our broadcast partnership with Radio Leeds and have them on board once again for the season ahead.
“Whether it’s match commentary or their coverage of the Club throughout the week, Radio Leeds can provide an important connection between the Club and its supporters. We look forward to a positive working relationship over the next 12 months.”
This call from Mansford is also taken up by others over on Twitter, starting with one of the three themselves, Katherine Hannah.
And we're back…. #Lufc 😊 https://t.co/DwXdiz9bvd pic.twitter.com/DVcgJnBau3
— Katherine Hannah (@KH_BBCLeeds) July 26, 2016
Adam Pope himself also got in with his thanks for the messages he had received from fans.
Thanks for all the messages. Can't wait for 7th August. #Lufc #getin pic.twitter.com/9TmvIL0umc
— Adam Pope (@apopey) July 26, 2016
Noel Whelan’s response to the news that the deal had been extended was, well, very Noel Whelan.
Were back :))) bring on the new season with lots of laughs and insightful bollocks from me ;)) thanks to @WYSdaily and of course the fans
— Noel David Whelan (@NoelDavidWhelan) July 26, 2016
The fans themselves are also happy at the extended deal to have Radio Leeds broadcast live commentary, build up and analysis.
Glad to hear you've got the #Lufc commentary sorted 👍@KatherineLeeds @APOPEY @garethjones25 @NoelDavidWhelan
— Andrew Butterwick (@MOTForever) July 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/gary_custer1999/status/757994456977137666
In all seriousness, it is great that BBC Radio Leeds are back next season giving the build up, match coverage and after-match analysis on United games.
As Noel would say, GET IN!!!!!!
