How to Listen to Swindon Town v Barrow on BBC Radio Wiltshire: Shaun Hodgetts, Andrew Hawes and Markus Fjørtoft Commentary Guide

Match date: 31 January 2026

How to Listen to Swindon Town v Barrow on BBC Radio Wiltshire: Shaun Hodgetts, Andrew Hawes and Markus Fjørtoft Commentary Guide

Football fans across Wiltshire and beyond are gearing up for an exciting English League Two clash as Swindon Town host Barrow at the Nigel Eady County Ground on Saturday, January 31, 2026, with a 15:00 UK kick-off. For those unable to attend in person, BBC Radio Wiltshire provides comprehensive radio coverage, making it the go-to choice for live commentary on this Sky Bet League Two Round 30 fixture. Tune in to catch every moment, from the pre-match build-up to the final whistle, delivered by a talented team led by presenter Shaun Hodgetts, main commentator Andrew Hawes, and co-commentator Markus Fjørtoft.

BBC Radio Wiltshire has long been a staple for Swindon Town supporters, offering reliable and passionate coverage of the club's matches. As a key BBC local radio station, it ensures that listeners in the South West receive detailed insights, exclusive interviews, and real-time updates without the need for television subscriptions. This commitment to local football underscores the BBC's role in bringing communities together through sport, especially for lower-league games like those in League Two where terrestrial radio remains a vital medium.

The match pits two sides with intriguing form lines. Swindon Town, currently holding a strong position in the table, recently suffered defeats against Notts County and Bromley but showed resilience with a victory over Gillingham earlier in the year[3]. Barrow, meanwhile, have struggled lately, losing to Crawley, Crewe, and Salford City, though they notched a win against Tranmere in late December[3]. Head-to-head records favour Swindon with 5 wins to Barrow's 2, alongside 2 draws, setting the stage for a competitive encounter[1]. Referee Oliver Yates will oversee proceedings, assisted by Peter Lowe and Sean Rothwell, with Daniel Flynn as fourth official[4].

Leading the broadcast is presenter Shaun Hodgetts, a familiar voice on BBC Radio Wiltshire. Hodgetts has built a reputation for his engaging style, hosting numerous Swindon Town matches over the years. His career in local radio spans over a decade, where he has interviewed players, managers, and fans, providing context that resonates with the Wiltshire audience. Hodgetts' ability to blend enthusiasm with informed analysis makes him a favourite among Town supporters, often steering discussions on tactics, team news, and post-match reactions.

Taking the main commentator role is Andrew Hawes, whose deep knowledge of football at all levels shines through in his calls. Hawes has been a staple in League Two commentary, particularly for BBC regional stations, with a career that includes covering matches for Swindon and other EFL clubs. His background as a former sports journalist adds layers of insight, from player profiles to historical rivalries. Listeners appreciate Hawes' measured yet exciting delivery, capturing the drama of goals, saves, and controversial decisions with precision.

Markus Fjørtoft: The Norwegian Insight Bringing Fresh Perspectives

Adding a unique flavour as co-commentator is Markus Fjørtoft, a Norwegian football expert whose career has taken him across Europe. Fjørtoft is the son of legendary striker Tore André Fjørtoft, who played for clubs like Eintracht Frankfurt and Chelsea in the 1990s. Markus himself transitioned from playing amateur football to punditry and commentary, gaining prominence through Norwegian media outlets covering the Premier League and EFL. His appearances on BBC Radio Wiltshire highlight the growing international interest in English lower leagues, offering analytical depth on player movements, set-pieces, and Barrow's defensive setups. Fjørtoft's bilingual skills and tactical acumen make him an asset, especially when dissecting Swindon's attacking play against Barrow's backline.

To tune in, simply switch to BBC Radio Wiltshire on 103.5 FM, 104.3 FM, or 104.9 FM for the Swindon area, or stream live via the BBC Sounds app or website. Coverage typically begins an hour before kick-off, featuring team news, injury updates, and fan reactions. In an era dominated by streaming services, BBC Radio's free access remains a boon for British listeners, particularly those on the move or preferring audio immersion.

Team News and Form Guide: What to Expect

Swindon Town head into this home fixture eager to bounce back. Their recent form reads W L L L W, including a 2-0 win over Gillingham but losses in their last three league outings[3]. Key players to watch include forwards who have troubled Barrow before, with the September 2025 reverse fixture ending 3-1 to Swindon[2]. The Nigel Eady County Ground, Swindon's historic home, adds atmosphere, though capacity crowds may be tested by winter conditions.

Barrow, languishing lower in the table at around 19th place earlier in the season, face an uphill battle. Their form of L L L W L suggests defensive frailties, having conceded in recent games against Crawley and Crewe[3]. Manager Stephen Clemence will look to shore up the back four, but Swindon's home advantage could prove decisive.

League Two this season has been unpredictable, with promotion hopefuls jostling alongside relegation fighters. For more on Swindon Town FC, visit their official site. Fans tracking the league can explore EFL League Two standings and fixtures.

Why BBC Radio Wiltshire Stands Out for League Two Coverage

Unlike TV broadcasts often reserved for higher tiers by channels like Sky Sports or TNT, local radio fills the gap for League Two. BBC Radio Wiltshire's team exemplifies this, with Hodgetts, Hawes, and Fjørtoft combining local passion and expert analysis. Hawes' career highlights include calling iconic Swindon moments, while Fjørtoft's European lens provides contrasts to Scandinavian football styles influencing EFL talents.

Historically, Swindon have been League Two contenders, with past promotions under managers like Mark Cooper. Barrow, a Cumbrian club with a proud non-league heritage, rose through the pyramid before stabilising in the EFL. Their head-to-heads are competitive, with Swindon's edge stemming from home form[1].

Tuning In: Practical Tips for Fans

• Check BBC Sounds for live stream if FM signal is weak.
• Follow along with apps like FotMob or SofaScore for live scores and stats[1][2].
• Post-match analysis on BBC Radio Wiltshire extends into the evening.

As the 15:00 UK time whistle approaches, excitement builds. Whether you're a die-hard Town fan or a neutral seeking League Two action, this commentary trio promises an engaging listen. For Barrow updates, check Barrow AFC.

Broader Context: League Two's Role in English Football

League Two embodies the EFL's grassroots spirit, launching careers and sustaining community clubs. Swindon, with roots in the 19th century, boast a Wembley play-off win in 2020. Barrow's story includes rapid rises post-financial woes. This match could influence play-off races or relegation scraps, amplifying its stakes.

Hodgetts' presenting career evolved from community radio, honing skills at local stations before BBC prominence. Hawes, trained in broadcast journalism, covered non-league before EFL ascent. Fjørtoft's punditry grew via TV in Norway, analysing stars like Erling Haaland, now applying that to League Two.

In summary, BBC Radio Wiltshire delivers unparalleled access. Grab your headphones, settle in, and let Hodgetts, Hawes, and Fjørtoft guide you through Swindon Town v Barrow – a quintessential League Two showdown. p