Why Are We Always On Last?: Running Match of the Day and Other Adventures in TV and Football

by Paul Armstrong

Why Are We Always On Last? Running Match of the Day and Other Adventures in TV and Football is a fly-on-the wall account of Paul Armstrong's career working on Britain's favourite TV sports show (including nearly 15 years as the editor, defending his running orders) and a lifetime spent around sport, and football in particular. From a virtual BBC monopoly of sports coverage and working at the Hillsborough disaster, to the era of Sky, social media and megaclubs, Paul takes us behind the scenes at MOTD and chronicles the joys and pressures of seven World Cups and live broadcasts of varying quality. He provides an honest and humorous account of the seismic changes he's seen, both in broadcasting and the football industry. With inside stories of working with everyone from David Coleman to Gary Lineker, and Brian Clough to Paul Gascoigne. All infused with the pessimism and jaundice acquired during almost five decades following Middlesbrough FC.

Genres: Football

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2019

Reviews

[Julian Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulously engaging biography, with witty insights, funny anecdotes, and revealing tales of life in BBC sports. 

Armstrong’s self-deprecating style is instantly captivating, and highly entertaining, as he takes us on a journey from lowly trainee to the pinnacle of his profession. 

He vividly captures the excitement of sport from a fan’s perspective, and marries it with the responsibility of a professional broadcaster, to create a read as satisfying as watching your underdog team come from behind to win. 

This is a must read for anyone who has the slightest interest in football, broadcasting, and sport, or a passing acquaintance with finding the meaning of life. 

[Rog the Jammy Dodge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting behind the scenes look by one of the long serving but unknown backroom staff who provide the glue to bringing together professionally produced programmes. Paul worked on the editing side of programmes, predominantly in football. It must have been great fun and he certainly never moans that it was anything but, despite the often heavy workload and unsociable hours. He was also lucky enough to work with and meet a litany of sporting and other celebrities and attend many of the great sporting occasions over 30 years from the nineties. A good read but the book doesn't reach the heights some other sporting memoirs have.

[Helen Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this beautifully written book. Sports books not always my thing, but I’d heard good things and read it in virtually one sitting. It gives a fascinating glimpse into the world of football and sports broadcasting. Some hilarious stories and well known characters brought vividly to life. Hard to believe this is a first book, congrats to Mr Armstrong.

[Brian Hardwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating insight into the world behind the scenes at TV football. Amongst many anecdotes, an amazing story about reuniting Lisbon Lions and 80s Billy McNeill team #Celtic

[Mark Beech · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hugely engaging book which I really enjoyed - hence taking me three days to read.

I should learn to only read books that I enjoy.

[Ipswichblade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable anecdotes from the author who worked for many years for BBC Sport

[Paul davies · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really a MOTD story just a biography of one of the behind the camera team

[Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Jake Choules · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less about the workings of sport on tv and more an autobiography but easy to read and interesting enough