Tune In to Off the Ball on Newstalk 106-108FM: John Duggan with Keith Treacy and David Sneyd Preview British Football at 13:00

Football fans across the UK and Ireland are gearing up for an exciting Saturday afternoon as Off the Ball on Newstalk 106-108FM kicks off at 13:00 UK time on February 7, 2026. Hosted by the experienced John Duggan, with insights from pundits Keith Treacy and David Sneyd, this programme promises in-depth analysis of British Football. While British channels like ITV, BBC, Sky Sports, and TNT Sports dominate televised coverage of Premier League and other leagues, radio remains a staple for live reactions and expert banter, and Newstalk delivers that in spades for listeners tuning in via FM or online.[1][2]

Newstalk, Ireland's premier talk and news station, has been a go-to for sports enthusiasts, especially with its weekend schedule featuring Off the Ball. Although recent reshuffles announced for February 2026 primarily affect weekday slots—such as Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman moving to drivetime's The Hard Shoulder, Anton Savage taking solo helm at breakfast, and Claire Byrne in mid-mornings—the weekend lineup, including this 13:00 slot, holds steady for sports fans.[1][3] This stability ensures that Saturday afternoons continue to buzz with football chat, perfectly timed ahead of key Premier League fixtures that often grace British TV screens on channels like Sky and TNT.

John Duggan, the charismatic presenter at the heart of Off the Ball, brings decades of broadcasting prowess to the microphone. A veteran of Irish radio, Duggan has been synonymous with Newstalk's sports coverage since joining the station. His career trajectory includes stints in sports journalism, where he honed his skills in delivering fast-paced, engaging commentary that resonates with listeners from Dublin to the UK border. Duggan's style—a blend of sharp wit, deep football knowledge, and the ability to draw out the best from his pundits—makes him a favourite among fans who appreciate radio's intimacy over TV's spectacle. Whether dissecting tactical masterclasses or debating transfer rumours, Duggan ensures the conversation flows seamlessly, often extending into post-match reactions that keep audiences hooked well into the evening.[2]

Joining him is Keith Treacy, a pundit whose background in professional football lends unparalleled credibility to the panel. Treacy enjoyed a distinguished playing career as a midfielder for clubs including Bristol City, Derby County, and Burnley in the English Football League, amassing over 200 appearances and earning a reputation for his tenacity and vision on the pitch. After hanging up his boots, he transitioned seamlessly into media, becoming a regular on Irish television and radio. His time with RTÉ and now Newstalk has seen him cover major tournaments like the World Cup and Euros, offering ex-player insights that cut through the noise. Treacy's no-nonsense takes on British Football—from Premier League heavyweights like Manchester City and Arsenal to Championship battles—will be particularly valuable today, as he breaks down form guides and predicts outcomes with the authority only a former pro can muster.

Completing the trio is David Sneyd, a rising star in sports journalism whose analytical depth complements Treacy's on-field experience. Sneyd has built a solid career as a reporter and pundit, with bylines in major Irish outlets covering the Premier League, Irish football, and international competitions. His expertise shines in player profiles and youth academy developments, often highlighting underrated talents in British setups like those at Manchester United or Liverpool. Sneyd's contributions to Off the Ball frequently include data-driven arguments and scouting reports, making him essential for listeners seeking beyond-the-headlines analysis. Together, Duggan, Treacy, and Sneyd form a dream team for dissecting the weekend's British Football slate.

The 13:00 slot on Newstalk 106-108FM is perfectly positioned in the station's weekend schedule, following highlights shows and leading into more gold-standard repeats and live segments like Newsround at 19:00. As per the Off the Ball timetable, Saturdays often feature a mix of repeats from OTB Breakfast, highlights packages, and live weekend specials, building anticipation for prime-time action.[2] For UK listeners, this radio coverage serves as an ideal companion to televised matches on Sky Sports or TNT, where rights deals ensure comprehensive Premier League broadcasts—think high-stakes clashes that could influence the title race or relegation scraps.

British Football in February 2026 is heating up, with mid-season form dictating European qualification hopes and cup runs. Programmes like Off the Ball excel here, offering real-time reactions unavailable on delayed TV highlights. Newstalk's commitment to sports amid its 2026 reshuffle—including Pat Kenny's upcoming weekend show from March—underscores its evolution to meet listener demands.[1][3] Fans can expect Duggan to steer discussions on key talking points: Are Liverpool's title credentials intact post-winter? Can underdogs like Brighton sustain their push? Treacy's insider knowledge from his EFL days will illuminate lower-tier impacts, while Sneyd crunches numbers on betting odds and player stats.

Accessing the show is straightforward. Tune into Newstalk 106-108FM across Ireland, or stream via the Newstalk app and website for global reach, including UK audiences. The Off the Ball feed ensures seamless listening, with podcasts available post-broadcast for catch-up. This format harks back to radio's golden era but with modern polish, appealing to Brits nostalgic for Match of the Day vibes yet craving immediate punditry.

Delving deeper into the pundits' careers reveals why this lineup captivates. Keith Treacy's journey from Waterford native to English pro began in the League of Ireland before crossing the Irish Sea. His Burnley stint peaked with promotion pushes, experiences he now channels into punditry. A regular on panels discussing cross-border rivalries, Treacy bridges Irish and British football narratives effortlessly. Similarly, David Sneyd represents the new guard: a Trinity College Dublin graduate whose journalism career exploded covering Shamrock Rovers' European adventures. His work has earned accolades, positioning him as a go-to for Premier League previews, much like today's slot.

John Duggan's radio roots trace to local stations before Newstalk elevated him to national treasure status. He's covered All-Ireland finals, rugby internationals, and countless football epics, amassing a following that spans generations. His interviewing style—probing yet affable—draws revelations from guests, enriching Off the Ball beyond standard chat.

In the broader context of British channels, while BBC and ITV handle FA Cup duties and select Premier League games, Sky and TNT own the bulk of live rights. For instance, Sky Sports' multi-channel empire beams matches to millions, complemented by TNT's Champions League showcases. Yet radio like Newstalk fills the gap for pre- and post-match depth, especially for fans multitasking or preferring audio immersion. Learn more about the Premier League's broadcast landscape here.

Today's programme aligns with Newstalk's weekend rhythm: post-10:00 highlights, straight into 13:00 action, mirroring OTB Gold and live specials.[2] As Bauer Media Audio Ireland refreshes its lineup, sports remains a cornerstone, ensuring Off the Ball thrives.[3] For British readers, this is a reminder of shared football heritage—Irish pundits dissecting English leagues with passion matching any Sky studio.

Expect heated debates on managerial pressure—Newcastle's Eddie Howe under scrutiny? Tottenham's Ange Postecoglou's tactics dissected? Treacy's midfield expertise will shine, Sneyd's stats will settle arguments, and Duggan's moderation will keep it lively. With British Football's global pull, this Newstalk hour transcends borders, uniting fans in anticipation.

Don't miss it: 13:00 UK time on Newstalk 106-108FM or the Off the Ball stream. Whether you're in London, Manchester, or Dublin, tune in for the ultimate British Football preview. For more on Newstalk's sports coverage, explore their evolving schedule amid 2026 changes.[1] And for Keith Treacy's playing highlights, check his career retrospective. This blend of experience and analysis makes Off the Ball unmissable, cementing its place in football radio lore.

Football's narrative thrives on voices like these—passionate, informed, entertaining. As British clubs battle for supremacy, Duggan, Treacy, and Sneyd will unpack it all, offering value no TV rights package can match. Grab your headphones; the whistle's about to blow on airwaves.[2]