Where to Watch Birmingham City vs Derby County: Full Commentary Guide with talkSPORT, BBC Radio Derby and World Feed on Boxing Day 2025

Boxing Day football is a cherished British tradition, and the Sky Bet Championship clash between Birmingham City and Derby County at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park on December 26, 2025, at 12:30 UK time promises plenty of festive action. While major British TV channels like ITV, BBC, Sky Sports and TNT Sports are not broadcasting this fixture live on television, radio coverage dominates with excellent options from talkSPORT and BBC Radio Derby. Fans can tune in for detailed commentary, ensuring no moment of this mid-table showdown is missed, as both sides sit around 12th to 14th in the standings[1][2].

The match, pitting two historic clubs against each other at Birmingham's iconic stadium, revives memories of their last encounter which ended in a 2-2 draw back in January 2022[2]. With leading scorers like Birmingham's J. Stansfield (7 goals) and Derby's C. Morris (9 goals) in form, expect goals and drama in this early kick-off[2]. British listeners have prime radio access, making it easy to follow from home after the turkey leftovers.

talkSPORT Leads the Radio Coverage

talkSPORT, the nation's biggest sports radio station, is your go-to for nationwide coverage of this Championship encounter. Presenter Adrian Durham, a talkSPORT stalwart since 2009, will host the broadcast, bringing his trademark passion and sharp insights. Durham, who has covered countless Premier League and international matches, started his career in local radio before rising to prominence with his late-night football phone-ins, earning a reputation as the voice of the working-class fan.

Main commentator Joe Sheenan takes the mic for the play-by-play, supported by co-commentator Michael Gray. Sheenan, a veteran talkSPORT voice with over two decades in broadcasting, has commentated on everything from FA Cup finals to World Cup qualifiers. Gray, a former Sunderland and Middlesbrough defender with 276 Premier League appearances, transitioned seamlessly into punditry, offering tactical analysis drawn from his playing days under managers like Steve McClaren. This duo's chemistry ensures balanced, engaging coverage available on both talkSPORT (DAB, FM, AM) and the talkSPORT App, perfect for on-the-go listening during Boxing Day errands.

BBC Radio Derby: Local Passion for Rams Fans

For Derby County supporters, BBC Radio Derby delivers dedicated coverage with main commentator Ed Dawes. Dawes, a fixture on BBC local radio for years, specialises in East Midlands football, having covered Derby's promotions and relegations with forensic detail. His deep knowledge of the Rams' squad and history makes this essential listening, especially as Derby hold 12th place and chase playoff spots[1]. Tune in via DAB, FM (104.5 or 95.3 MHz) or online for pre-match build-up, live updates and post-game reaction tailored to Pride Park faithful.

World Feed and US Options for Global Viewers

Internationally, the world feed commentary comes from James Fielden, a seasoned broadcaster known for neutral, high-quality calls on EFL matches. Fielden, who has worked across Europe and the Middle East, provides the neutral feed used by CBS Sports Golazo Network and Paramount+ in the US, where fans can stream the game with his voiceover[User Query].

In the States, CBS Sports Golazo Network and Paramount+ utilise this world feed, making it accessible for expat Brits and American soccer enthusiasts. While not available on British TV, these platforms highlight the growing global interest in the Championship.

Match Preview: Birmingham City vs Derby County

Hosted at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park in Birmingham, this fixture is part of the packed Boxing Day schedule in the Championship[1][3]. Birmingham City, 14th in the table with 29 goals scored and 27 conceded, welcome a Derby side in 12th boasting similar stats but led by prolific striker C. Morris[1][2]. Recent form shows Birmingham drawing 1-1 away at Sheffield United, while Derby won 3-0 at Swansea before a 1-1 home draw[2].

Key battles include Birmingham's Tomoki Iwata (6 yellows) against Derby's Ebou Adams (7 yellows), promising a feisty midfield scrap[2]. Odds favour Birmingham slightly at -122, with over/under 2.5 goals at a tight line[2]. Historically, these teams have served up entertainment, and with both pushing for top-half finishes, expect attacking football on a chilly December afternoon.

Why Radio is King for Championship Boxing Day

In an era of streaming overload, radio remains unbeatable for live sports in the UK, especially on public holidays when TV schedules prioritise Premier League games. talkSPORT's team of Durham, Sheenan and Gray offers national reach, while BBC Radio Derby's local focus with Dawes caters to die-hards. The world feed by Fielden ensures worldwide parity. No Sky Sports or TNT coverage here, but that's typical for select Championship games amid TV rights deals favouring bigger fixtures.

For context, the Championship's broadcast rights are split, with Sky holding extensive TV deals but this match falling to radio. Learn more about EFL Championship TV rights.

Careers Spotlight: The Voices Behind the Action

Adrian Durham's journey from Essex local stations to talkSPORT stardom includes iconic moments like his World Cup coverage. Joe Sheenan, often paired with Gray, honed his skills on regional radio before national exposure. Michael Gray, post-retirement in 2009, built a media career with Sky Sports and talkSPORT, valued for his no-nonsense defending tales.

Ed Dawes embodies BBC local radio excellence, covering Derby through thick and thin, including their 2008 Premier League stint. James Fielden, with freelance gigs for beIN Sports and others, excels in multilingual feeds, making him ideal for global audiences.

How to Tune In: Step-by-Step Guide

• talkSPORT: DAB nationwide, 1089 AM (London), 1053/855 MW (elsewhere), or talkSPORT app for iOS/Android.
• talkSPORT App: Free download, live streaming with no blackouts.
• BBC Radio Derby: FM 95.3 (Derby), 104.5 (Mansfield), BBC Sounds app.
• US: Paramount+ subscription, CBS Golazo via Paramount+.

Team News and Stats to Watch

Birmingham rely on Stansfield's goals, with clean sheets hard to come by (Ryan Allsop at 0)[2]. Derby's Jacob Widell Zetterstrom mirrors this goalkeeping stat, but Morris's form could exploit Blues' defence[2]. Head-to-head stats show competitive ties, per Sky Sports previews[3]. For club histories, visit Birmingham City FC or Derby County FC.

St. Andrew's atmosphere, even in the Championship, is electric for Boxing Day, with capacity crowds creating a cauldron. Weather forecasts predict cold but dry conditions, ideal for flowing football.

Fan Zones and Alternatives

No TV? Pubs often show Championship via foreign streams, but radio is legal and vivid. Apps like Sofascore provide live scores and stats[1]. For full immersion, combine talkSPORT's audio with visuals from Livescore or ESPN trackers[5][6].

This match underscores the Championship's depth, often called the world's most competitive second tier. Both clubs boast rich histories: Birmingham's 2011 League Cup win and Derby's 1970s league titles add prestige.

Whether you're a Blues or Rams supporter, or neutral Boxing Day punter, the commentary teams ensure top-tier coverage. Tune in at 12:30, settle in, and enjoy EFL entertainment at its finest.