Interview

Man behind the Microphone

colerainefc.com catches up with Barry Greene after his commentary duties for the 2020/21 campaign came to an end…

Barry was the matchday commentator for the ‘Live at The Showgrounds’ stream and provided analysis from the Ballycastle Road to supporters’ homes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a question and answer series, Barry insists he is ‘indebted’ to everyone behind the scenes at the club and hopes to watch a match with a packed Railway End in the near future.

Q1. Thoughts on being on commentary this season? How did you find watching the Bannsiders?

I was delighted when I was approached by the club to be the official match commentator.

Given the weird pandemic scenario that prevented fans attending, I just aimed at giving supporters at home the best possible experience.  After a shaky start to the domestic campaign, Coleraine’s players gave us plenty of talking points over the course of the season.

Commentating in an (almost) empty stadium was a tad unusual but it made me realise how privileged we are to be covering the matches and taking them in ‘live’.

The fact that Coleraine challenged for the Gibson Cup up until the penultimate round of fixtures made it especially enjoyable.

Q2. Was it hard being neutral? Any particular memories stand out?

It’s been about 7 seasons or so since I covered the Irish Premiership and I guess I’ve always prided myself in calling matches for what they are (be it good or otherwise).  I haven’t really had an affinity with any club so remaining neutral was straightforward enough.

In saying that, I went to University in Coleraine and lived here for 8 years and in that sense, I know a lot of players, coaching staff and supporters around the club and town. I was getting tested in keeping to the ‘middle ground’ as the season progressed – let’s just say that!

I must make special mention of Curtis Allen.  I quipped (during commentary) that given his longstanding prowess in the Irish League, he might have wanted to have hit the target more than he had done at that particular point of the season.  No sooner had I got the words out, he scored a quickfire double in a 2-1 win against Warrenpoint back in February. That’s precisely why Curtis is expertly donning the boots and I’m sat behind the mic!

Q3. Obviously not a one man band – good team behind you and Davy Platt on co-comms?

I’m genuinely indebted to the guys in the media team, the manager of the club, the Chairman and directors.

‘The stream team’ is a collective effort off the pitch – led by the wonderfully talented David Cavan.  Is there anything that man can’t do?!

The content that Coleraine TV had before, during and after matches in my opinion, far exceeded the offering from many of the other live streams.  That was down to David and the rest of the guys!

Aaron O’Neill along with Adam and Daniel Strong on cameras gave their all creatively, match after match.

My co-commentator David Platt I had known for over ten years.  When David was manager of the first team here, I had quizzed him for BBC Sport NI after many a game.  That familiarity meant we had an instant rapport and I really hope that came across in the Coleraine TV coverage.

His knowledge of the local game is absolutely superb and Coleraine have unquestionably got themselves the right man to head up the Academy.

Q4. Any memories that stand out over the course of the season?

I’ll take with me a number of memories from my season commentating for Coleraine:

* Eoin Bradley’s wonder goal with his ‘wrong’ foot from 25 yards against Dungannon Swifts.

* David Platt having his heart in his mouth when the producers cued us back on after half-time and I was (nonchalantly) making myself a coffee in the media suite staring at him through the glass.

* Ben Doherty’s stories about a previous pair of those ludicrous Crocs that Skinner wears being cut into pieces.  Not going to say on here who done it but they need to do it to his new pair.

* Ben Doherty’s goals.

* Aaron Canning – absolute baller at the back.

Q5. Will we expect to see you back at The Showgrounds as a supporter now?

With the North Coast ranking as one of my favourite spots, you’ll definitely see me through the turnstiles for some matches next season. A jam-packed Railway Stand (with actual fans) appeals to me most.