The Commentators’ View: John Helm & the magic sponge

The Commentators’ View: John Helm & the magic sponge

From Football Daily by BBC Radio 5 Live

April 24, 2026 · 57 min

About this episode

Legendary commentator John Helm joins Ian Dennis and Ali Bruce-Ball to discuss his career and the nuances of football commentary.

Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball are joined by legendary commentator John Helm to talk football, their travels and the language of football commentary. John takes us through his career, from doing 10 World Cups, to being the in-house commentator at League One champions Lincoln City this season. There are more unintended pub names from sport commentary and suggestions for the Great Glossary of Football Commentary. Messages, questions and voicenotes welcome on WhatsApp to 08000 289 369 & emails to TCV@bbc.co.uk 02:00 Welcome to the pod John Helm! 05:10 How did John end up at Lincoln City? 09:35 5 Live commentaries this weekend, 15:45 Liam Rosenior removed from Chelsea, 18:30 Can Leeds get to the FA Cup Final? 20:50 How many games has John commentated on? 25:45 John talks about doing different sports, 28:00 John’s World Cup Final dressing room moment, 30:00 John reflects on commentating on the Bradford fire, 36:10 Unintended pub names, 41:10 John does his record-breaking read of the 92, 45:25 Great Glossary of Football Commentary. 5 Live / BBC Sounds commentaries: Sat 1200 Brighton & Hove v Man City in WSL on Sports Extra, Sat 1500 Wolves v Spurs, Sat 1500 West Ham v Everton…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ian Dennis, Ali Bruce-Ball

Guest: John Helm

Topics covered

  • football commentary
  • John Helm
  • World Cup
  • FA Cup
  • sports travel
  • commentary language

Keywords

  • football
  • commentary
  • John Helm
  • World Cup
  • FA Cup
  • sports
  • Lincoln City

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Lincoln City, BBC, 5 Live

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