Alan Parry
About
Renowned British Sports Commentator
Alan Parry is a well-known British sports commentator celebrated for his extensive career covering football across all three main broadcasters in the UK: the BBC, ITV, and Sky TV. His expertise extends to both radio and television, making him a prominent voice in sports commentary.
Career Highlights
- Early Beginnings: Parry began his career at BBC Radio Merseyside before joining the BBC in London in 1973, where he quickly started regular football commentaries. Within just a couple of years, he was covering England matches and by 1975, he had reported on the European Cup final.
- Athletics Commentary: In the mid-1970s, he expanded his repertoire to become BBC Radio’s athletics commentator, covering the Summer Olympics in 1976, 1980, and 1984.
- Television Transition: In 1981, he transitioned primarily to television, commentating for Match of the Day on BBC. This role solidified his reputation as one of the leading voices in football commentary.
- ITV and Beyond: In 1985, Parry left the BBC to join ITV, initially covering athletics after the channel secured the rights for British athletics. He also worked as a football commentator for talkSPORT from 1998 to 2002 and presented Saturday afternoon football coverage on Capital Gold during the 2002-03 season.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The 2006-2007 season was particularly busy for Parry, where he committed to covering one live match every weekend from the FA Barclays Premier League and also provided commentary for several matches from the UEFA Champions League, Coca-Cola Championship, and Carling Cup.
Personal Affiliations
- Liverpool FC Supporter: A passionate supporter of Liverpool Football Club, Parry’s loyalty to the team is well-known among fans and colleagues alike.
- Wycombe Wanderers Involvement: He has been involved with Wycombe Wanderers for over ten years, including a period serving as a director, showcasing his dedication to grassroots football.
Entertainment and Public Speaking
- Sky One’s Gladiators: Parry also replaced John Sachs as the commentator for the revived Gladiators on Sky One, further diversifying his commentary career.
- Event Hosting and Speaking Engagements: As one of the most respected commentators in sport, Alan Parry is in high demand as an event host and after-dinner speaker, known for sharing engaging football anecdotes and memories.
Legacy
With a career spanning decades, Alan Parry has become a respected voice in British sports commentary, known for his insightful analysis and engaging storytelling. His contributions to football and athletics commentary have left a lasting impact on the industry, making him a beloved figure among fans and fellow commentators alike.