“Some people are on the pitch; they think it’s all over. It is now!” is one of the most iconic moments of sporting commentary – delivered by the BBC’s Kenneth Wolstenholme at the conclusion of the 1966 FIFA World Cup: objectivity and subjectivity beautifully fused together to capture not only the finality of the game but the epic emotion too. Even if you were not privy – as I was – to hearing these words at the time, decades later it has the ability to send a tingle down most spines with the obvious exception of folk from the defeated nation.
Sporting commentary is key to the successful televisual experience and the orators must possess several attributes: knowledge of the sport, its contestants, and what the event signifies are a given. But what about the moments of controversy, confusion, and chaos? Not to mention managing errant language when an excited participant gets up and close to the microphone, or at the opposite end of the spectrum, when the action is dull or enforced interludes require the verbal anchor to fill in the gaps. And let’s not forget that this skill set is continually monitored by the live audience who demand facts, figures, and feverish dialogue. Who on earth would ever willingly enter this lion’s den? As far as British speedway is concerned there is only one person who can shed the requisite illumination upon this conundrum: Discovery Sports “the voice of Monday nights and the Grand Prix,” Kelvin Tatum.
It all came about over two decades ago when an unsolicited call from the late Tony Millard, Sky commentator-in-chief, led to Kelvin being installed as a regular pundit alongside, amongst others, fellow rider Sam Ermolenko. Kelvin – still racing at the time – recalls his first televised meeting with Sky presenter Johnathan Green – not really knowing or understanding what was required! “I was involved in the embryonic Sky coverage and was encouraged to be more open about my opinions as the season progressed.”
With no media training whatsoever, Kelvin was nonetheless confident in his knowledge of the technicalities of the sport and absorbed much of his presenting attributes from those around him. “The original Sky team were great, but very tough and determined, and I hope some of this rubbed off on me!”
A couple of years later Kelvin commenced his on-screen bromance with Nigel Pearson, although the incredible chemistry they later shared began with a less than lukewarm reaction. “I knew of Nigel, but found him annoying!” Qualifying this surprising disclosure he continued, “He had a habit of asking me awkward questions and, to be totally frank, I didn’t particularly get on with him. I wasn’t best pleased when he became a permanent member of the broadcasting team.”
But as we all know, this partnership grew in stature and became the Baddiel and Skinner of speedway, as two mates sat – metaphorically – on a couch and spoke about their mutual love of the sport. “There was a tremendous respect between us, and this soon developed into a strong friendship.” With a keen sense of kinship, Kelvin acknowledged that, “You simply couldn’t work together like we did and for so long without a genuine passion for speedway and being generous to one another.”
The double act brought a fresh perspective to trackside broadcasting and, if truth be known, it didn’t really feel like a job as they had a ball! “We had great fun and I think we brought something new to the commentary process. We didn’t please everybody, but I think we entertained more people than we upset!” With heartfelt reflection he summed up his extraordinary time with Nigel with an understandable recognition of the void that was left with his untimely passing. “It grew into a relationship that I don’t think I’ll ever have again.”
I was keen to understand the routines that underpin live television, but with typical Kelvin honesty I was somewhat surprised at his response. “A lot of people found us slightly odd since we rarely discussed anything about the upcoming meeting. I knew that Nigel was well informed and would always have done his homework and other than a quick review of the basics – for example, who the referee was and what round we were covering – we simply did it off the cuff. We both found preparation somewhat boring!” Having said that, he readily conceded that they were both professional enough to understand what was required and, in his words, “cracked on with it.”
I’ve got many personal favourite “Nigel moments,” with two in particular that still make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up: Chris Harris winning the 2007 Grand Prix at Cardiff after a scintillating last bend pass of Greg Hancock, and Richard Hall holding Charlie Gjedde at bay in heat 14 of the pulsating 2006 Premiership Playoff final. My question to Kelvin was simple: what’s his all-time favourite Pearson patter? In his customary modest style and accepting that I had already picked out a couple of belters, he replied, “That’s a tough one – I have so many.” But the 2013 Grand Prix season where the likes of Darcy Ward, Chris Holder, Emil Sayfutdinov and Tai Woffinden came of age, provided many outstanding memories, especially the second round in Bydgoszcz, Poland, where phrases such as “I need to lay down in a darkened room!” and “God-like speedway!” peppered the pulsating commentary. Indeed, Kelvin believes that this was also around the time that he first uttered his now trademark catchphrase, “Speedway out of the top drawer!” None of these gems were rehearsed and just erupted in the moment.
Shortly after the sudden and tragic death of his friend, Kelvin was back at the mic in Croatia. “When I reflect back on that now, I was extraordinarily nervous when I got there; fundamentally, for two reasons: my first time as the lead commentator, and the reality that I had nobody to lean on.” Against this daunting and emotionally charged backdrop he had the eyes of his new and anxious employers – Grand Prix rights holder, Discovery Sports – firmly focused upon him. “I was a little wooden and clunky, but I got through it, and I’d like to think that this showed my strength of character. Thinking about something that frightens you is often worse than actually doing it. But I do remember being mentally exhausted at the end of it.”
Live broadcasting can often usher in uncertainty, albeit routine has its place as Kelvin explained: “Running orders are crucial, especially in the Grand Prix and I review the current standings and look to establish what issues of note have happened previously at the venue. Pronouncing the riders’ names correctly is vital, in particular the reserves who I may not have seen before.” In the Premiership a pre-meeting conflab with Abi Stephens and Scott Nicholls is vital, and enjoyable too. Working alongside co-commentators Chris Louis and Olly Allen has helped him develop his own coaching skills, many of which he fondly attributes to the great Mr Pearson. But there is one constant: the dirtometer.
“Steve Saint, the BT Sports producer, wanted me to conduct track reports. But what can you say about a speedway track? It’s oval with dirt on it! I needed a prop to demonstrate to fans – many of whom aren’t motorcyclists – how the tracks are prepared.” This quandary reminded Kelvin of an event that occurred at the 1983 World Final in Norden, Germany, where Egon Müller was the victor. “Egon’s bike didn’t get taken out on parade. He simply walked onto the track and dug a screwdriver into the surface then put his thumbs up to the crowd!” It was Kelvin’s daughter, Emma, who christened the now famous prodder!
Engaging with an audience in any setting can be unnerving and I was keen to find out how Kelvin deals with the inevitable adrenalin rush. Ever the pragmatist, he replied, “The more you do it the more you realise you can do it. Believe in yourself and keep on doing it.” With this consequential confidence Kelvin became more able to fill the gaps, but acknowledged that his gift of the gab helped enormously, even though filler words often creep into the commentary chat. “Errrm is a classic example, although I can be completely unaware that I’ve overused a certain word until my wife, Debbie, corrects me!”
Having been around the TV scene for a while now, what advice would he give to any aspiring commentators? “Back yourself. If you are new to the sport speak to the people that know about it. This may sound obvious, but I’ve come across a few individuals who haven’t done this and it’s not a good look. Asking costs nothing. Try not to be too self-conscious either. It’s a live broadcast, so don’t overthink it.” Being positive is also important. “If I’m asked, for example, who’s going to win tonight, and I say Leicester Lions and they get absolutely hammered by Belle Vue, I respond by congratulating the Aces. I’ve never been frightened to be wrong! I think you need to have an opinion, even if it’s controversial. But that’s the art of good conversation.”
In bringing this particular commentary to a conclusion Kelvin wished to place on record the following soundbite: “It’s been an incredible journey and one I’d never dreamt could happen. I’m grateful and very proud.”
© Ian Kirke 2024
@ianjkirke
All photographs reproduced by kind permission of John Somerville.