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I’m sure all members agree that times are changing at the TT and for the 2004 meeting it was not just on the track and in the paddock as former BBC North West TV Sports Correspondent, Charlie Lambert took over the anchor commentators role at the Grandstand. This change caused concern in some quarters as Charlie was relatively unknown to many on the IoM and, of course, he was replacing local favourite and long time expert commentator, Geoff Cannell.
So how did Charlie secure the position of principle commentator for TT 2004?
“I got a phone call from Manx Radio asking if I’d be interested. It was a short conversation – the answer was yes!” For those of us in the North West, Charlie’s face has been familiar for many years, with his appearances on the early evening News programme, in particular, presenting a live slot from the Grandstand on the Friday of Practice Week in a positive and constructive manner. However, being more intensively involved demanded in depth preparation, so how did Charlie set about his new challenge? “I began preparation several weeks before the TT. The Internet was a major source of information – the TT website was a godsend. However, nothing can beat meeting people face to face so I spent as much time as I could during practice week in the paddock, introducing myself to the riders and their back-up teams and gathering the sort of information which you don’t get from the stats. Preparation for each race then took several hours holed up in my hotel room surrounded by print-outs, notes, colour-coding pens, etc.”
During practice week, Charlie showed me his computer-generated file, with each competitor’s TT achievements and biographies individually itemised for quick and easy reference during a race; he was obviously intending to do a thoroughly professional job. He was also quick to acknowledge and appreciate the assistance given from all quarters.
How did Charlie feel about the task of following in the footsteps of TT stalwarts, Peter Kneale and Geoff Cannell? “Like everyone else I was a huge fan of Peter and Geoff’s broadcasting. Both names will always be synonymous with the TT. I felt very excited at being asked to take over; it was a great honour even to be considered. On arrival on the Island I had to treat it as any other reporting assignment – there was no point in feeling overawed by either the event or my illustrious predecessors. My approach was to work hard on my preparation and enjoy the live broadcasting”.
There was dissatisfaction in some quarters about Geoff Cannell losing his position as the commentator based at the Grandstand – how did this affect Charlie? “The only time it affected me was when questions were asked about Geoff’s departure in the House of Keys and one MHK was demanding the Government should monitor the radio station’s performance – i.e. mine! I felt under some pressure as a result of that – I can’t remember Tony Blair being asked to monitor Gary Lineker’s performance when he took over from Des Lynam! Other than that, I think it’s only natural that people will be disappointed that Geoff wasn’t involved this year. He’s been associated with the event for many years and he’s bound to be missed, as was Peter. Whoever took over would be on a sticky wicket in some quarters”
Charlie is often heard on Radio 5 Live reporting on professional football matches and other sports from a variety of stadiums, so how do the facilities at the Grandstand compare? “Very favourably” was Charlie’s reply, “as a commentator, you require a good view, reliable technology, a continuous flow of updated information, protection from the elements, refreshments, if it’s a long stint and, of course, a toilet within easy sprinting distance – all well catered for at the TT”.
The owner of a Kawasaki ZZR 1100, Charlie came over as clear, confident and knowledgeable during his stint high above Glencrutchery Road, but what did he think to the action on the track – who impressed him the most? “McGuinness was fantastic – to set a new lap record from a standing start was incredible. The only trouble John seemed to have was parking his mobile home in the paddock when the power steering gave up on him! Dave Molyneux – the embodiment of professionalism. Gary Carswell in the Senior put in a phenomenal ride over the Mountain on the final lap to take 3rd place, despite deteriorating weather. My own highlight was the finish of the Production 600, which was a really tight battle between Ryan Farquhar and Bruce Ansty, ideal for a commentator. While on the subject of impressive people, I’d like to mention Radio TT’s producer Eunice Crossley whose unflappable expertise keeps the show on the road. As a commentator in a complex live event you need total confidence in your producer and Eunice definitely has the whole show under control. Equally, the Radio TT team is packed with expertise and knowledge and I thoroughly enjoyed working with Charlie Williams, Maurice Mawdsley, Chris Kinley, Andy McGladdery, Tim Glover, and my timekeeper Stormin’ Norman Quayle”.
Charlie looks like becoming a permanent fixture at the TT, as he was asked to continue his role at this year’s MGP and is already looking forward to the 2005 meeting, and so, what does he think about the future of our international road racing event? “It’s a shame that the 125s and 400s have gone but I think the move to align the racing with Superbike specifications is a positive step for the future. The changes for 2005 should ensure the future of the event. I hope the manufacturers respond in the right spirit. The next step should be for the TT to regain its protected status in the racing calendar. So far as media facilities are concerned, I’d like to see more computer terminals installed in the Media Centre to assist Internet access. At present there is only one, which isn’t enough”.
So, TT 2005 is already marked in the Lambert diary, but what of other media activities currently carried out by the Liverpool resident? “I work as a freelance broadcaster which includes a lot of radio work for the BBC. This ranges from live football coverage to a recent one-hour documentary about Liverpool Cathedral, which went out on Radio 4 in July. My company, Northern River Productions produces corporate videos for training and promotional purposes, audio productions for corporate use and provides media training for businesses ranging from an oil company to the Rugby Football League. Check us out at
www.northernriver.co.uk”
Charlie certainly made an impact with his genial, knowledgeable and flexible approach to his first year in the “box”; I am confident he will successfully coordinate TT and MGP commentaries for many years to come and I’m sure you join me in wishing him well in this venture as well as thanking him for the assistance given in writing this article
Graham Bean
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