Ex-footballer Ian Wright's to join Absolute Radio as the station gets ready to launch its coverage of Premier League football at the start of the new season. He'll be joined by talkSPORT commentator Jim Proudfoot and current Absolute stalwart Russ Williams.
The post-match coverage each Saturday hosted by Wright will be simulcast on Absolute Radio and Absolute Radio Extra, with pre-match build up and commentary on the 3pm game live on Absolute Radio Extra as well as on medium wave and online. Absolute's main digital station will continue with Rock & Roll Football presented by Russ Williams between 3 and 5pm.
Earlier this year, Absolute announced a 3-year deal to broadcast commentary on 32 Premier League matches each season – they'll get the 'second pick' of Saturday afternoon matches starting from 14 August.
Proudfoot's credentials include commentating on Sky's Premier League highlights programme 'Goals on Sunday' and 'Football First' as well as Setanta Sports and EPSN Sports. He was the lead Champions League commentator and the principal commentator at the 2010 FIFA World Cup for talkSPORT.
Since retiring from football, Wright has taken on a number of radio and TV jobs – including as a pundit for International matches on BBC TV and Five's Live From Studio Five. He previously worked for talkSPORT co-hosting the drivetime slot with Adrian Durham.
Absolute Radio Extra's Rock & Roll Football Live will be co-produced by independent USP who produce the Formula One coverage for BBC Radio Five Live.