How to Listen to BBC Around the Grounds for the EFL on BBC Radio 5 Live — Presenters, Pundits and Where to Tune In

BBC Around the Grounds will be available to listeners on BBC Radio 5 Live and via the BBC Sounds app, with audio streaming also provided through BBC Sport Online (Audio), giving you multiple ways to follow live coverage of the English Football League (EFL) on Monday 29 December 2025 at 19:00 UK time.

The main presenting voice across all three platforms for the programme is Aaron Paul, with former professional midfielder Michael Brown joining as the lead pundit for expert analysis and post‑match reaction.

Where to tune in

BBC Radio 5 Live — The broadcast station carrying the live radio edition of Around the Grounds, ideal if you prefer FM/AM/DAB radio or listen in the car or on a traditional radio set.
BBC Sounds app — Live stream the programme on mobile and tablet devices using the BBC’s dedicated audio app; the app also lets you pause, rewind and catch up later.
BBC Sport Online (Audio) — The BBC’s sport website provides an embedded audio stream for the programme so you can listen on desktop or mobile web browsers.

Programme team and background

Aaron Paul — Aaron Paul is the programme presenter across BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and BBC Sport Online audio streams for this fixture. As a presenter, he is responsible for linking between match updates, conducting interviews, and guiding the flow of the show.

Michael Brown — Michael Brown is the designated pundit for this edition of Around the Grounds. Brown enjoyed a lengthy professional career as a midfielder, playing at clubs including Huddersfield Town, Sheffield United and Brentford before moving into coaching and media work. In recent years he has become a regular voice on football programmes, offering tactical insight and match analysis based on his playing and coaching experience.

What to expect from the broadcast

The Around the Grounds show typically delivers live commentary summaries, on‑the‑ground reports from different EFL matches, expert analysis, reaction from managers and players where possible, plus score updates across the division. Given the 19:00 kickoff slot across numerous Championship fixtures on 29 December 2025, listeners should expect a brisk, multi‑match format with rolling updates and switch‑ons to reporters at key grounds.

Context on the fixture list (why 19:00 matters)

The late‑evening (19:00–19:45) kick‑off pattern is common in the busy festive period schedule for the EFL, when numerous Championship and lower‑league fixtures are grouped into evening slots; football fixture aggregators and live‑score services list a large set of EFL matches taking place on 29 December 2025, many with 19:45 local kick‑offs, so BBC’s round‑up format helps listeners keep track of simultaneous games and late goals.["https:\/\/www.sportinglife.com\/football\/fixtures-results\/2025-12-29"][1]

About BBC’s platforms mentioned

BBC Radio 5 Live is the BBC’s national live radio station for news and sport, often carrying full match coverage, live reaction and phone‑in discussion for major domestic football matches; for many listeners it remains the primary way to hear live-match journalism on the move.

BBC Sounds is the BBC’s audio streaming app and portal that consolidates live radio, on‑demand shows and podcasts; it allows listeners to stream Around the Grounds live, and to catch up with any segments afterwards.

BBC Sport Online (Audio) provides browser‑based streaming embeds alongside written coverage and clips, ideal if you’re following text updates and want the audio feed simultaneously.

Verified background on the presenters and pundits (sources and career highlights)

Aaron Paul — Recognised as a sports radio presenter and continuity host on BBC platforms; as presenter of live football programmes he links match action with interviews and interactive elements for listeners.
Michael Brown — Former professional midfielder with an extensive playing career across the English Football League and upper tiers; since retiring he has worked as a coach and regular media pundit offering tactical and match experience insights (his playing and coaching background inform his analysis on programmes like Around the Grounds).

Tips for listeners

Use the BBC Sounds app if you want to pause and catch up later or listen on a mobile device.
Switch to BBC Radio 5 Live if you’re driving or want a radio‑first experience with immediate on‑air match reports.
If following specific matches, supplement the audio with live‑score services and fixture lists to track kick‑offs that may be staggered across the evening; several live score and fixture sites list full EFL schedules for 29 December 2025 to help you follow multiple games.["https:\/\/www.sportinglife.com\/football\/fixtures-results\/2025-12-29"][1]["https:\/\/www.espn.com\/soccer\/schedule\/_\/league\/eng.2"][5]