Jim Proudfoot

Rock'N'Roll Football Commentator.

The esteemed commentator and voice of Absolute Radio's Barclays Premier League coverage tells us about himself...

Where did you grow up?

I was born in the West Country, but I was brought up just south of Birmingham where I lived from the age of 1 - 17.

What or who were you most scared of as a kid and why?

I was scared of clowns as a kid, and still am, I really can't stand them. Don't know why. So I hated the testcard on BBC, the source of several nightmares!

Did you ever collect anything when you were younger?

As a young kid I collected matchboxes, but seemingly never enough to burn down any of Birmingham. Life in 70s Midlands must have been very exciting.

What petty thing REALLY annoys you?

I hate bad manners, particularly people who don't say thank-you... especially motorists.

What’s your secret skill?

My secret skill? That's a secret. But I will divulge that I can sing a bit, and play music a bit.

At what age did you first have a passion for radio and how did you first get into it?

I was really into radio by about the age of 11 or 12, and loved listening to local radio in the midlands. I covered my first game professionally as an 18 year old - Torquay 0 Walsall 0 - having started in student radio in Exeter. I had an enormous amount of luck getting into radio full-time, being in the right place at the right time

What was the team that you supported as a child?

I support Torquay, but also had a soft spell for Newcastle as a child. But I don't really follow a Premier League side now.

Did you ever collect football stickers – did you keep your albums?

Yes I collected stickers, starting with Football 78 and proudly finished Football 79. I've not got that album any more but did buy one off eBay a few years ago (is that sad or just a midlife crisis?). I now encourage my kids to collect them, on my behalf of course.

What is the best ground you’ve ever been to?

The stadia in South Africa for the World Cup were superb, particularly Cape Town and Durban. In this country the Emirates Stadium is magnificent, but Old Trafford still takes your breath away.

Which club serves the best pies?

I've not got a figure like this by eating pies!!! Walsall.

What is the greatest match you’ve ever commentated on?

The FA Cup semi-final replay in 1999 between Arsenal and Manchester United was one of the most extraordinary games I've ever commentated on, unbelievable tension and that Ryan Giggs goal that won the game completely against the run of play. I hear he's sold his chest wig now.

Ever done or said something you shouldn’t have done on-air? Any embarrassing on-air moments?

My worst on air moments have come when being overcome by laughter. I was once rendered speechless by a Ukrainian journalist farting right in front of me during a Manchester United against Dynamo Kiev game and it took me about five minutes to regain my composure.

Rock 'N' Roll Football
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