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Commentator king John is on the ball

28/ 5/2004

WHICHEVER way you look at it, student John Hill was born to be a football commentator.

With the enthusiasm of Jimmy Hill, the encyclopaedic knowledge of John Motson - and a name combining both - he could well be the BBC's next anchorman-in-waiting.

The Matthew Moss High School pupil quickly developed an interest on the people behind the microphones, running his own commentaries in his head and soaking up the styles of the BBC's Motson and, in particular, Sky's Martin Tyler.

Now the 16-year-old has realised his dream. He commentated on Rochdale's last three home games for Granada after being nominated by the club when the regular fell ill.

John said: "I'd done some internet match reports on Rochdale games as part of our school's Reach-Your-Goal scheme. They thought I did a good job and my name was passed on to Granada."

"I was a bit nervous, but once we got started I felt fine."

His audio artistry has left seasoned commentators 'gobsmacked' and led to Rochdale snapping him up to co-commentate on every Spotland match next season.

The teenager is looking to start his A levels later this summer.