All the goals... as they go in!
At York Hospital Radio, we have an incredibly proud tradition of sports broadcasting. We have been super privileged to provide a live outside broadcast for every York City home game for over 60 Years. Sports Commentaries from Bootham Crescent started in the early 1960’s and were integrated in to York Hospital Broadcasting Service, as we were known then, at our inception in 1964.
Our Saturday show, Goaline, provides a cosy afternoon sports update show, updating scores from around the grounds, and reports from the key matches. The show has followed the same traditional winning format throughout the decades. Our sports studio team of Phil Bewers, Chris Morgan, James Hudson and Jon Cook are all passionate about the game, and are often accompanied by a volunteer in the second studio, feeding in external updates from other grounds. Build up begins at 2pm with ‘Goaline Extra’ before the main show kicks off at 3pm, all the way through until 5.20pm.
For many decades, “Dave and Geoff” provided a professional, friendly commentary for all of York City’s home games. The late Dave Batters was also the club’s archivist and the font of all YCFC knowledge. What he didn’t know about the club and its history wasn’t worth knowing! Dave sadly passed away in July 2014 and his presence is hugely missed around the club and the radio station.
Since 2011, this tradition set by Dave and Geoff has been continued by our commentators and “fans with mics”, Dan Tait and Paul Walton. They aim to provide some light relief for those in hospital, and a distraction for those in bed, as well as a way of keeping in touch with their favourite game, even if they cannot always bring you 3 points!
For our Goaline team, over the decades, there have been many highlights and also plenty of lows. In recent times, it has been a privilege to cover three Wembley finals, with live commentary from the famous stadium, and a victory for the Minstermen each time! Back in the day, Dave and Geoff covered a higher-performing York City team, competing in the Football League and with famous cup victories to boot.
Our Head of Sport, Phil Bewers, has the task of planning programming for our Goaline programmes, juggling the York City fixture list with our talented team of presenters. Others help out with creating jingles and promoting the Saturday afternoon show, currently sponsored by Streamline Taxis.
Recently, York Hospital Radio’s commentary has also been chosen to accompany the on-line video stream of National League TV, as Adam Hinshelwood’s team do battle in the fifth tier of football, The National League.
Current commentator Dan Tait does amazing work for the charity through his York Hospital Ball podcast. To find out more about Dan’s incredible work, please take a look at the York Hospital Ball page on this website.
Keep up to date with the latest ongoings of the Goaline team by visiting their ‘X’ page @GoalineYHR
Those interested in joining the Goaline team should contact Phil Bewers – phil.bewers@yorkhospitalradio.com
Phil Bewers
Phil has been part of YHR and the sports team for more years than he cares to remember. There have been many stand out occasions whilst involved in Goaline but one he will not forget is being part of the commentary team, with his colleague Dennis McMahon, at Wembley Stadium in 2009 when York City made it to the final of the FA Trophy, and they took their place in the press box alongside national media broadcasters and were treated in exactly the same way, feeling so proud to be part of York Hospital Radio. Phil has been a York City fan since the late 60s/early 70s.
Paul Walton
Paul has been our lead commentator for 12 years, and his insatiable enthusiasm for all things concerning the Minstermen is a real asset to the York Hospital Radio team. Paul’s favourite highlight(s) was getting to commentate at both the Wembley 2012 double matches. Paul’s first ever York City match that he commentated on was a 2-1 win over Forest Green, with Levi Mackin grabbing the winner for the Minstermen.
Chris Morgan
Chris has been with York Hospital Radio since 2015, all this time as part of the Goaline team. Chris hails from Peterborough and is a big fan of Peterborough United, however he has grown fond of the Minstermen since moving to York in 2013. York City related highlights since 2013 have been few and far between for Chris, however his personal highpoint is getting to commentate alongside Paul in the playoff eliminator match against Chorley in May 2022.
James Hudson
James is one of our studio presenters and has volunteered at York Hospital Radio for many years. James has supported York City since 1995, and, like many of the rest of our team, his favourite York City memory is the 2012 Wembley double.
Dan Tait
Dan has been our co-commentator since 2011, and you’ll be hard pressed to find someone who knows York City better than he does. Dan’s highlight of his time at York Hospital Radio is also getting to commentate on the 2012 double at Wembley. This was closely followed by the time that his co-commentator Paul Walton accidentally called former Minsterman Joe Tait, Dan Tait, when he was once sent off. Over the past few years, Dan has launched the York Hospital Ball podcast which has seen him interview some of the biggest names in York City’s history, whilst also raising vital funds to keep the station on air.