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From a wooden shed at Highbury in 1927 to part of the furniture: How BBC Radio transformed football with commentary that still thrills us today

The lowlight of BBC Radio 5 Live’s brilliant FA Cup third-round coverage on Saturday was, strangely, the football.

Manchester United 4 Reading 0 was too one-sided. Sutton United 0 AFC Wimbledon 0 was lacking drama. Sometimes, the football just doesn’t work out for you.

It was still difficult to switch off, however. Good radio commentators can keep you on the end of a hook. Good summarisers, too.

Bryan Butler's commentary of Diego Maradona's goal of the century vs England is legendary
Bryan Butler's commentary of Diego Maradona's goal of the century vs England is legendary
Butler with Frank McLintock during a match between Brighton v Sheffield Wednesday
Butler with Frank McLintock during a match between Brighton v Sheffield Wednesday

On Saturday at Old Trafford the gentle North East tones of 5 Live’s John Murray contrasted with the clipped Glaswegian observations of Pat Nevin.