On this day in 1927, a significant milestone in football broadcasting was achieved at Highbury. The First Division match between Arsenal and Sheffield United became the first football match to be broadcast live on the radio. To assist listeners in following the action, the Radio Times published a numbered grid of the pitch. Commentator Henry Wakelam utilised these grid numbers during his commentary, marking a new era in how football was consumed by fans unable to attend matches in person.
22nd January 1994
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Fast forward to 1994, Blackpool Football Club, struggling with a series of seven consecutive League defeats, decided to try an innovative approach to boost support. For their Second Division match against Swansea City, they offered free admission to fans. This initiative resulted in a crowd of 7,080, marking their third highest League attendance at Bloomfield Road that season. The match concluded in a 1-1 draw, providing Blackpool with a valuable point in their campaign.
22nd January 2016
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In 2016, former Arsenal and Crystal Palace player Kenny Sansom, who earned 86 caps for England, appeared on the Jeremy Kyle Show to discuss his long-standing battle with alcoholism. The programme, known for its focus on personal issues, provided Sansom a platform to share his 30-year struggle with the public. This appearance highlighted the challenges faced by footballers off the pitch, reminding viewers of the personal battles that can accompany professional success.
22nd January 2018
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On this day in 2018, George Weah, the former World Player of the Year, returned to the spotlight in a football stadium, but not as a player. The SKD Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia, hosted his inauguration ceremony as the President of Liberia. Weah, who had a brief stint in the Premier League with Chelsea and Manchester City in 2000, took the oath of office in front of a packed stadium. His election as President in December was marked by promises to unify the country and combat corruption. Weah’s transition from a celebrated footballer to a national leader was witnessed by many, underscoring his enduring influence both on and off the pitch.