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The Tim White Q&A Interview
Exclusive to talkSPORT1089.co.uk

Tim White is talkSPORT's Yorkshire Correspondent reporting on Premiership and
Nationwide League matches in and around the region on Football First. Tim is also a major
part of Radio Aire's coverage of Leeds United FC with commentary from every single match
in the Premiership, FA Cup and Worthington Cup.

Tim also runs his own business, The Time White Meda Consultancy which offers him a wide
variety of work and tasks. He also works at the University of Leeds as a lecturer for the Broadcast
Journalism course and works for Sky Sports and UEFA on a regular basis.

You now work in the media for various organisations including Sky Sports, talkSPORT
and Radio Aire, what did you do before working in the media?
I was always determined to get into the media full-time, but to make ends meet I had a
number of other short term jobs. Best of these was probably working at a tenpin bowling
centre, worst was undoubtedly working for a mail order company, being patronised by
soulless managers, whilst I hand people their smelly trainers and shoes.

You have worked for talkSPORT for a number of years as the station's Yorkshire Correspondent, how did you originally get onto the talkSPORT airwaves?
When Talk Radio changed its status to become talkSPORT, I was approached by one of its managers and offered a full-time position. As I had just started my own media company I explained I would not be able to commit myself to one station permanently. Thankfully, I was forgiven and shortly afterwards contacted by a senior producer, Jim Brown. He asked me to become the Yorkshire correspondent for the station, which I was delighted to accept as it fitted in perfectly with my other commitments. Jim is still at talkSPORT, working hard behind the scenes, making all of our outside broadcasts possible with great preparatory work. I had known Jim before, as we both worked for another radio group, though with different stations.

You now work for a number of radio stations including talkSPORT and Radio Aire. Did you have any radio experience before you joined talkSPORT? Who did you work for and what did you do?
In trying to make the breakthrough I had various voluntary, occasional and part-time paid shifts with a number of stations in the north of England, both BBC and commercial. I started making some headway with two stations in particular who were paying me to report on various events. These stations were Pennine Radio in Bradford (now The Pulse), and Radio Aire in Leeds.

The hardest job to get is your first staff position, and finally I was given that opportunity by Radio Aire. I was appointed as a news and sports trainee, and was basically being paid to complete a six month in-house course along with some external specialist training. It was arguably the most important part of my career. University courses for the media, and in particular broadcasting, were not as prevalent as nowadays, and I gambled that experience and persistence would serve me as well as a post-graduate degree, or similar.

At Radio Aire I graduated to reporter, senior reporter, Sports Editor, and finally Head of News & Sport, during a decade with the station. There is a tremendous bias in commercial radio against journalists being able to run radio stations, and much as I loved the station it became obvious I had to leave. By 1999, I was being offered freelance work from various other sources, much of which I had to decline because of my staff job with Radio Aire. I decided to set up on my own, and the rest is history.

We haven't heard as much of you on talkSPORT over the past few seasons than we did in previous years. Is that because of other radio commitments? What other work do you currently do outside of talkSPORT?
My business (TWMC - Tim White Media Consultancy) offers me a wide variety of work. I work as a lecturer for the Broadcast Journalism course at the University of Leeds. I am proud to be a part of what is generally accepted to be the best undergraduate course of its kind in the U.K. This fits in really well with my sport commitments because teaching never happens in an evening or at weekends! So I was able to work for Sky Sports and talkSPORT virtually every weekend for a good couple of years. However my reporting must have impressed somebody because soon among the offers I received were two which I just could not turn down.

First was the opportunity given to me by Jim Agnew, a manager at UEFA's New Media division. UEFA was recruiting some top reporters for its internet commentaries of Champions' League games, and also video highlights commentaries. I was flattered to be asked, and was soon linking up with other names familiar to talkSPORT and Sky Sports listeners and viewers, such as Graham Beecroft, Mark Tompkins, Mick Conway and Stuart Pyke. To be asked to work for the governing body of the sport in Europe was very rewarding, and in addition Jim and his team are great to work for as they have been reporters, and have passion for the game.

So most Champions League nights I am away, and unable to work for talkSPORT. Then the second offer came in, and it was from the only other station which rivals talkSPORT in my affections. New management had arrived at Radio Aire in Leeds, and they were desperate for a fairly high-profile local radio presenter to front its Leeds United programme, which was undergoing a major revamp. I was initially only a consultant to find a new presenter and made my suggestions, however they wanted me! It was a very tough decision because it would mean being unable to work for my other love, talkSPORT, for much of the season. I eventually accepted, and so since January 2003, every Leeds United matchday I can be found at www.radioaire.co.uk even if you're not in listening range in West Yorkshire. One programme we had emails from 19 different countries outside the UK - the power and reach of the internet never fails to amaze me!

Having been involved at talkSPORT and in the media for a number of years, are you friends with any other people involved with the station? If so, who are they?
Yes, very much so. I have already mentioned people like Jim Brown and Beeky, and for those in London listening to the commentaries, I would also rate Jim Proudfoot as a friend. I have to say he is surely the best radio commentator in Britain at the moment. He sticks to the basics of describing the game, and delivering with clarity and passion. Then some of the ex-players we listen to I have known since before talkSPORT was a twinkling in Kelvin's eye! Alvin Martin is someone I met more recently, and is a really nice guy. The first member of talkSPORT's staff I ever met was probably Adrian Durham. By sheer coincidence we were both on the same flight from Gatwick to watch Leeds United play in Barcelona. It was 1992 and you may remember Barca was the neutral venue for Leeds' rearranged game against VfB Stuttgart in the European Cup/Champions League. Adrian was a young reporter and friends with a big Leeds fan called Brian Murgatroyd, who encouraged him along for the ride and experience. I was covering the game for Radio Aire. Adrian and I saw each other occasionally, or spoke, ever since that day, and now we exchange the odd call or email 'off-air' to check out some gossip or story!

Some of the production and backroom team deserve mentions too for being friendly, reliable and professional. Russell, Villa Matt, Josh, Max and guys heard on air like Dom, Macca and Andy Clarke I get on so well with, and rely on, that I'd hope to consider them friends. Having said all that none lives close to me, so we usually only meet at sporting events, or on one of my rare forays into talkSPORT Towers!

Being part of a sports station must give you the chance to talk to some big name sportsmen. Who's the biggest name you've interviewed, who was your favourite to interview and why?
Well, the biggest name I've interviewed was probably the Prime Minister, as he was then, John Major. Not strictly sport, but I spoke to him at Headingley and we had a chat about cricket. He won't remember it, but I will, and whatever your politics and views of him as a leader, he was a genuinely sincere and warm man. That was in my days as a News Editor, and is one of my favourite interviews.

On the sporting front, Bobby Moore and Lennox Lewis were genuine heroes for so many people and both struck me as great men. There are many other big sporting names I have interviewed, but sadly, many forget how they started, forget their fans, and forget their manners, and they are unworthy of mention.

One tends to remember most the exclusive interviews, and especially anything achieved early in one's career. To that end, I remember getting an exclusive interview with Stuart McCall when he first left Bradford City to join Everton, and I saw his tears - I cannot think of many nowadays who would care so much for a club. Another great ambassador for his sport was Mark James, the golfer, who granted me his only one-to-one interview after the 3rd round of the Benson & Hedges event in York many years ago. He'd seen me hanging around patiently as a spotty youth, clinging to my microphone. I enjoyed watching him on the practice range for probably an hour as the light and temperature fell. When he came off he headed straight for me, thanked me for waiting and gave me that small exclusive.

What have been the best football matches and other sporting events you have covered for talkSPORT?
It has to be the semi-final of the Champions League when Leeds United took on Valencia at the Mestalla. I love big European nights abroad. I feel so privileged to be there, and following Leeds that season was exciting. My other great love is cricket, so to work at any Test match is a pleasure, and I have been fortunate to attend quite a few for Talk and other stations over the years.

In the summer of 2002, you filled in for Adrian Durham as presenter of the Football First prgramme. How did you get that job, did you enjoy it and did you think your shows went well? Would you like to present on talkSPORT again in the future?
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had really good feedback from a number of listeners which is as surprising as it is gratifying! With regard to future presentation, who knows? I would definitely consider it, but with my other commitments a regular position is not possible. A few weekends during the summer, or occasionally filling in would be great, but in fairness there are a number of other presenters ahead of me in the queue I am sure. For a start I am freelance, so if they can get a staff or contracted presenter it makes economic sense.

I think I did about 7 Saturday shows, and also a few Sunday Breakfast programmes. The Saturday programmes were done from my own studio, and the Sundays from another studio in the north-east where my co-presenter was former Newcastle and Irish star Mick Martin. talkSPORT made a policy decision to present all shows from its London headquarters where possible, and this has undoubtedly cut down my chances! I think I was offered the chance initially because Leeds were in the news a lot that summer and it was good for the station to present a show from the regions. I still think it's a good idea for a national station to be heard by its audience out and about. The John Smith's Roadshows and after-match events that Ian Abrahams has reported from are an excellent idea, but I know many people who chat to me at games throughout the north would like more events from "their part of the world".

As the anchorman of 96.3 Radio Aire's coverage of Leeds United matches, what's it like to work with Radio Aire's top team of John Bradley, Tony Dorigo and Mel Sterland?
It is great fun. When recruited as a consultant, as mentioned above, I made certain recommendations to the station. Due credit to the management for investing heavily in the show, and also a first-rate backroom team; I really must mention Paul and Martyn who've been with me from the first show. When it became clear Radio Aire's first choice to present was me, I insisted I would only do it if we got both Tony and Mel involved. Both are legends in Leeds. Both are very knowledgeable, and a great laugh. Mel is like a fan and he just comes out with his off the cuff comments, while Tony's style contrasts brilliantly as he is a deep thinker about the matches. I had known both during my first stint following Leeds and liked both players. I remember once when 'Tommy' (Tony's nickname - it's a long story) was out injured, he clambered across a crowded indoor pressbox, at Watford I believe, stepping on shoulders and notepads 2 minutes before kick-off to come and help me out, to the consternation of the 'old hacks' in the box! I like to think I gave Tommy a helping hand in his post-playing career. I recommended him to talkSPORT, and he regularly summarises for Chelsea games, and both Mel and Tony are used for comment on Leeds matters, as well as their other clubs' fortunes, Chelsea, Sheffield Wednesday and Rangers.

What has it been like reporting on Leeds United's ups and downs - from their successes in the Champions League to their recent financial crisis's - over the past couple of years?
It has been great as a journalist. I am fortunate to have a few contacts who have helped me be 'ahead of the game', so to speak. Sometimes it is frustrating when you are told something, but you cannot report it at the time, maybe for legal reasons. At the same time it has been very sad to watch the demise of the club. The directors who made mistakes have all received pay-offs. Players are very well paid, and even if they're sold, or don't have contracts renewed at Leeds they will survive and all the first teamers at Leeds are very fortunate to be well paid for what they love doing. The people to really feel sorry for are the fans (as always) and especially the office workers at Elland Road, just doing an ordinary job, who've been made redundant.

Do you think Leeds can survive in the Premiership this season?
I write this shortly after Leeds have beaten Leicester in another thrilling see-saw game. However, as I have repeatedly said on both Radio Aire and talkSPORT, I have long believed Leeds possess the quality to get out of trouble. It was down to how that talent was applied. I really admire Mark Viduka, as a person and as a footballer. Similarly, one cannot fail to be impressed by the commitment of the likes of Smith and Matteo. I worried when the new consortium came in and made it apparent they wanted to axe quite a few big earners. I questioned the decision to make this public, as it may have made some players think "what's the point". To their credit the players were brilliant against Leicester, but too often Leeds have followed that up with an insipid performance. The board had a difficult job making fans realise they did not have a magic wand and an endless supply of notes. They took the route of being up-front, and I hope it works, at least we will avoid the acrimony, shock and hatred brought about by the previous sales of Rio, Woodgate et al.

This season I believe Wolves and Leicester are just not good enough, though I admire what Micky Adams has managed at all his clubs, not just Leicester. The third position will be filled by whoever performs worst between now and May 15th, out of Leeds, Portsmouth and Blackburn. I also admire Graeme Souness as a person, and would be very sad to see a well run club like Rovers leave the Premiership again, but you asked the question and I believe Blackburn will be in the Nationwide next season. By this Saturday at 5pm when they've hammered Leeds I will probably have a lot of egg on my face, but it's all about opinion!

Is Eddie Gray the right man for the Leeds United management job long-term, or would you like to see someone new brought in on a full-time basis?
Leeds need respect and stability. I truly hope the board sticks with Eddie. He will need his coaching badge (even though he's been coaching as long as Fergie and he didn't take an exam), but I am led to believe he can get that this summer. The temptation would be to bring in someone like Gordon Strachan, but he will cost money, he will want to spend at least some money, he will sideline other players on decent salaries who he doesn't 'fancy' and Leeds can ill afford that in my opinion. If Eddie rescues Leeds from near certain relegation he will obviously have got the respect of the players, without a pre-season, and without any freedom in the transfer market. Think what he may achieve with a full pre-season and being able to bring in his own players in the summer.

Although you are talkSPORT's Leeds United correspondent, you are actually a Bristol City fan. Do you think Danny Wilson can take City back up to Division One this season? If so, will it be automatically or through the play-offs? Also, do you get down to Ashton Gate to see many games during the season?
Hardly ever! I was born in Bristol, but have spent most of my life in various parts of Yorkshire. Both are beautiful places to live! I make every effort to attend matches when I have no other commitments. This season hasn't been good in that respect, I think I have seen about 7. I know Danny Wilson well enough to say hello to, and even recommended a player once! He is a good, calm manager and deserves success for the loyalty he has shown the club, and vice-versa. The best match I attended this season was probably at Grimsby, where I've seen us lose plenty of times in the past.

The worst was Sheffield Wednesday - about 5,000 of us were there, they had to open extra turnstiles, and we were after our 12th straight win. Most City fans were already looking at the fixture list hoping we could break the all-time English record of 14. We did not play well, and the game could have gone their way. To lose to the last kick of the game is always hard, especially in such circumstances. But, we'd had a fair few late goals in our favour before that so we cannot complain. The most important game during a good run is always the game after the run ends. I am thankful I missed the next couple - poor defeats at the likes of Stockport and Tranmere looked very expensive, but the pendulum usually swings back round, and realistically at the moment it looks like any 2 from 3 of BCFC, Q.P.R. and Plymouth for the automatic promotion spots. I just hope we are not in the play-offs again; we have a dreadful record.

My head is probably being ruled by my heart, but as I type I really believe it will work out well for us, and I am not convinced Plymouth are up yet. The crucial games for them could be their next two - home against relegation fodder, followed by a visit to The Gate. If they stumble in the former and then lose to us it will vindicate my prediction. At the risk of infuriating Chris Cooper, a massive Pilgrims fan, I think City and QPR could squeak into the top two, but even if that happens I hope Plymouth win the play-offs. It always seems harsh if a team well clear in 3rd doesn't go up.

Will Sven Goran Eriksson still be the coach of England after Euro 2004, or do you think that he will be the manager of Chelsea next season?
Because of Chelsea's resurgence I think even Roman would be hard pressed to axe Ranieri now. All the contract Sven signed means is that the FA will get more compensation if/when he leaves. I do not like the fact Sven was foolish enough to be listening to offers from a Premiership club so close to Euro 2004, when every newspaper was reporting it and watching him. I believe he would not have signed the extension with England had he not been caught out. I think Chelsea has passed for him now, however I think Sven will move to a club side on the continent: he will probably go back to Italy. Depending on how we do it may be straight after Euro 2004, or it may be any time in the next couple of years. He may even yet replace Sir Alex when he finally calls it a day at Old Trafford.

You can often be seen on TV as a football correspondent for Sky Sports News. How did you get into television and do you prefer TV work to radio?
I prefer radio. It is a more personal medium. It is also more reactive. Compiling a TV report takes ages compared to radio. Sky is a magnificent example of broadcasting though. It has transformed television in this country, and the high standards of its sports coverage is beyond compare. Even a rolling news channel like Sky Sports News resorts to radio style when stories break. And one of its most successful programmes, Soccer Saturday, is basically just radio on the telly! I got into TV by doing some reports for ITV on Leeds matches, and then by contacting Sky and offering my services as a freelance reporter.

In September last year, you made your terrestrial TV debut, as a reporter on Blackburn Rovers' 3-1 defeat to Genclerbirligi in their UEFA Cup First Round First Leg game in Ankara for Five. As only a small but elite group of freelance football commentators and reporters - including such luminaries as Jonathan Pearce, Gary Bloom and John Helm - have become part of the 'Football On Five' team, it must have been quite an honour to be chosen by the channel. How did you get called up for the job, and what are the chances of Five using you again in the future?
Well, as I mentioned above, I had done some match reports for ITV in the programme presented by Elton Welsby years ago, in the pre-Sky days. However, you are correct in the fact it was my first "package" rather than a live 30-second report, for terrestrial television. I have also done some interviews and other stuff for BBC TV at various points, but nobody would even know it was me asking the questions as they usually end up on the editing floor!

It was great to be "called up" by Five. Their football coverage is provided by a production team called Sunset & Vine. I have to say it was a very, very professional set-up, and again all the backroom team on my trip to Ankara deserve praise they seldom receive. I got the break because John Helm (another reporter I've known years, and another top bloke) was away working on something else. The Head of Sport at Five, Robert Charles, remembered me from somewhere from his past. I believe he checked up on me with former colleagues at Yorkshire TV and they must have said some good things. My phone rings and I have about 4 days to make sure my passport's in order, do the research, and learn the channel's style and requirements.

I am still waiting for another chance with Five. I got good feedback, so I remain hopeful, but I am realistic enough to know someone will have to be away again for me to get another call!

You have spent some time working for Capital Radio. What are your thoughts on their announcement that many of their stations will be dropping all live football commentaries as of next season?
During my career in local radio I had a good relationship with Capital. It probably helped that Jonathan Pearce was a Bristol City fan too! They have produced some tremendous talent, such as our own Jim Proudfoot and Steve Wilson (now with BBC TV). Capital was about before talkSPORT of course, and its slick and entertaining style ensured standards at the BBC had to improve, and some of their cobwebs were shaken off. talkSPORT has taken on the mantle, and I believe improved still further. Nonetheless I am a firm believer in competition and it will be a shame to lose them. One of the real problems is the cost. It was in a small way thanks to the likes of local radio commentaries (both commercial and BBC), that football enjoyed its renaissance, and it is a shame to see commentary rights so out of proportion with what stations can afford.

Outside of football reporting, you run your own media consultancy. Could you explain what the company actually does?
When I ran a sports desk in radio I was, like most others in my position, moaning about various things. I made a note of everything I needed and then thought about trying to provide it for other editors up and down the country. For instance, when trying to arrange coverage of Huddersfield Town on a Tuesday night at Leyton Orient, your usual reporter may not be able to get there, or worse still may wake up ill on the morning of the game. What can you do? What I need is an agency whom I can call who will have a bank of reporters, hopefully with somebody free at short notice, or a guaranteed standard. So that is one strand. I provide reporters for all sorts of TV and radio stations. I have about 10 reporters on my books at any one time.

Another problem was training. Most radio reporters could do with a legal refresher. Considering how an editor can be jailed for contempt of court, and a station can lose its licence for breaches of the law, I am amazed at how few broadcasters are aware of the important parts of broadcast law. I hear numerous legally questionable things a week, from the BBC and commercial radio stations of all sizes and stature. I was doing some training within EMAP (the group that owned Radio Aire), and also offering voice training. My company offers these courses too, for professionals in the business, and those looking to break into radio or TV. Occasionally an owner or M.D. will come to my company and request an overview or recommendations, quite often secretly. This is the consultancy, using my near 20 years of experience of various aspects of radio, but particularly speech. Few realise I am also something of a political expert, and have been asked in the past to provide election packs for stations outlining details of forthcoming elections, swings, trends, history, etc so reporters without much knowledge of the situation can use the information to sound more knowledgeable! I also write some magazine articles, and the company's considering writing a book at the moment!

When did you set the consultancy up, and is it difficult running a busy media company day in day out?
TWMC started early in 1999. It can be very difficult. I try to be involved in all things going on in the business. Sometimes it is just football reporting, and my university work, but then suddenly another 4 or 5 jobs will come in, and with orders to cover matches way in advance you need to be very organised to ensure you do not overlook something.

You are also a lecturer in broadcast journalism at the University of Leeds. What's it like lecturing about a subject that is close to your heart?
I have always enjoyed training. It is so rewarding seeing your influence rub off. It was natural I suppose that when I was approached, I would end up teaching at the uni. I had no hesitation in grasping the opportunity because I had taken people from the course on work experience and knew the standards. Students seem to like my style, which is quite relaxed, but I push them hard. The greatest rewards are usually years later though when you suddenly read about one of your erstwhile students getting a good job somewhere high-up!
What's the best sporting moment you have been at and why?
Probably as a kid, being taken along on the day at Headingley, when Geoffrey Boycott scored his 100th Hundred, against Australia. Boycs struck the four straight down the ground to where I was sitting with my uncle! In the past 20 years, my first time reporting at Wembley, Leeds winning the title in 1992, visiting various super stadia around Europe like Camp Nou, Bernebeu, San Siro, Stadio Olimpico.

Who is your favourite sports person of all time?
That's one of those impossible questions everyone else seems to have a stock answer prepared. Because I meet so many arrogant people, and realise what an effect stars have on youngsters, my judgement tends to include a sport star's personality as well as their sporting prowess. John Charles probably fits every criteria, though sadly I never saw him play in the flesh. And as a cricket aficionado I would probably say Shane Warne as well. He was completely different to how I expected him to be when I met him, and as a leg-spinner as a kid I was delighted when he burst onto the scene, even if it was by destroying England time and again! The way he has worked so hard to bounce back time and again deserves great praise. He's also a great character, and sports need those.

Who's the most famous person you have in your mobile phone/address book?
Ha! That would be telling! I used to have Margaret Thatcher's number, but that will have changed many times since then I guess. Footballers' mobile numbers are always changing too which makes contact building much harder than it used to be. A story breaks and you dial the number to find out it's been cut off! Rio's pretty famous now I guess, and hopefully Johnny Woodgate will become a big star too - he has all the talent, and a great family. They're both in my phone, as is Michael Vaughan, who should be the biggest star in the country right now after events in the Caribbean!

What was the last CD you bought, and which CD's are in your car?
Working in radio I tend to get given quite a few CDs. Buying them - erm� Coldplay's last one I made a point of buying, and in my car at the moment I'm listening to a CD by Cinerama. They're a brilliant guitar-based outfit that's led by David Gedge, and I'm not just saying that because he's invited me to his gig on Saturday!!

What was the last film you saw at the cinema - and what did you think of it? Have you seen any other films you would like to recommend?
I'm really crap at getting to the cinema. Always have been. I think it's the time thing. I tend to like quite arty things rather than action movies. "Touching the Void" is brilliant.

What books are you currently reading, and are there any that you have recently read that you would like to recommend?
For the last year or more I have been trying to finish a simply brilliant book, "A Suitable Boy" by Vikram Seth. It is so damn big that I only ever pledge to read it on holiday when I can really submerge myself in it, and usually end up starting it all over again! I also keep getting thrust other things at me.

Grahame Lloyd's excellent diary of a season charting the fortunes of Boston and Lincoln last season should strike a chord with every fan of a Nationwide club. "One Hell Of A Season" is its title - try to pick up a copy. I have to confess Grahame's a friend too.

I've also recently read "Master and Margarita" by Bulgakov, because I was visiting Russia and Ukraine, and I've re-read some Hardy, my favourite author.

Thanks to Tim White for the chance to interview him. You can Tim on talkSPORT regularly on Football First with Adrian Durham weekdays from 7:00pm and Saturday from 2:00pm.

The Tim White Q&A Interview
Freelance Sports Broadcaster and Journalist
April 2004