Stubbs is still on his toes

Aug 12 2009 by Greg O'Keeffe, Birkenhead News

Former Tranmere player and TV veteran Ray Stubbs is starting the season in a new job

RAY STUBBS has enjoyed a long and exciting broadcasting career – but it wasn’t always Premier League prime time glamour.

The Wallasey-born TV football veteran is set to kick-off the season in a top new job for sports channel ESPN.

But he remembers the start of his career like it was yesterday.

“A playing field in Huyton reporting on a match between Long View Eagles, who went on to become the Eagle, in the FA national Sunday cup,” he says.

“It was my first report for Radio Merseyside and the start of a career which has taken me to some fantastic places and given me great memories.

“I also vividly remember being in the tunnel for Radio Merseyside before the final of the 1984 Milk Cup between Everton and Liverpool and then afterwards being amazed at the chants of ‘Merseyside’ from both sets of supporters.

“Lots of them had their arms around each other and were having a great day despite an awful game and a 0-0 scoreline.

Former Calday Grammar pupil Ray worked for Radio Merseyside after a playing career for his beloved Tranmere Rovers.

Prior to his switch to ESPN only weeks ago, Ray had worked for the BBC for 26 years.

It doesn’t seem the decision to leave was easy for him, but football, even the presenting side, is all about “new challenges’ and ‘fresh starts”.

“It all happened very quickly,” says Ray, 53. “It only seems like yesterday that I was finishing off another season with BBC Sport, then I heard about the new job. I worked for the BBC for a long time. I made great friends, had a brilliant time, and I’ve got nothing but gratitude for my colleagues down the years.

Ray, who now lives in the countryside near to Richmond-on-Thames, also played rugby for Caldy rugby club, and is now excitedly waiting for the season to start on Saturday when he will be presenting ESPN’s live coverage of 46 Barclays Premier League games.