BBC Radio Sheffield’s Praise or Grumble will receive a blue plaque marking 40 years as the UK’s longest running football phone in.
The presentation will take place at BBC Radio Sheffield at 11am on Monday 16 November, with the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Andrew Sangar, handing over the plaque. A special live programme will be broadcast from the event, which football supporters are invited to attend.
The family of Robert Jackson, who founded the programme in 1986 and became its first presenter, will join former hosts and current presenters Adam Oxley, Rob Staton and Andy Giddings for the celebration.
The Saturday afternoon programme has brought together supporters of Barnsley, Chesterfield, Doncaster, Rotherham, Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday to share their reactions to matches and discuss their clubs. Callers over the years have included actor Sean Bean and former Sheffield United and Rotherham manager Neil Warnock.
The anniversary will also be marked across BBC Radio Sheffield with a week of special programming. On Thursday 19 November, the station will hold 1986 Day, with music, fashion and other references to the year the programme began.
Listeners are also being invited to record their own praises or grumbles about their teams and memorable football moments, with some contributions potentially being broadcast.
Katrina Bunker, BBC Senior Head of Content Production for Yorkshire, said: “Praise or Grumble is one of local radio’s great institutions, giving supporters a platform to celebrate victories, vent frustrations and share their passion for the game.”
Rob said: “It’s at the heart of our community, and it’s such a privilege to be able continue that legacy, keep it relevant, and keep the discussion going from fans!”
