BBC Radio Humberside and Mariners TV commentary team for Grimsby Town v Blackpool in the League Cup
Match date:
Grimsby Town v Blackpool in the English League Cup will be covered on BBC Radio Humberside and Mariners TV, with James Hoggarth presenting on radio and Matt Dean leading commentary alongside Gary Croft on both outlets.
The tie is scheduled for Saturday 8 August 2026, with the match listed at 3:00pm UK time at Blundell Park. Match listings confirm it is an EFL Cup fixture, and Grimsby’s home ground is the venue for the game.[2][9][11]
For British viewers and listeners, the most relevant media angle is the local coverage. BBC Radio Humberside remains the key audio service for Grimsby supporters in the region, while Mariners TV provides club-based coverage for fans wanting an alternative matchday stream. There is also indication in live listings that the match is available via Sky Sports+ in Great Britain, which underlines the growing role of subscription streaming alongside local radio and club channels.[5]
James Hoggarth is a familiar voice to followers of football in Lincolnshire through BBC Radio Humberside, where he has regularly fronted local sports coverage. As presenter, he will set up the broadcast, guide listeners through the build-up and provide the structure around the live match commentary, which is especially important for a cup tie of this kind.
Matt Dean will be the main commentator on both BBC Radio Humberside and Mariners TV. Dean is a long-standing football broadcaster associated with regional and club coverage, and his role typically focuses on live description, tactical context and the rhythm of the game as it unfolds. His presence on both services means listeners and viewers should get a consistent editorial tone whichever outlet they choose.
Gary Croft, the co-commentator, brings the most notable football background of the trio. A former professional defender, Croft played in the Football League, including for Grimsby Town, and later moved into punditry and commentary. His experience as a player at the level Grimsby and Blackpool compete in gives him useful insight into the demands of cup football, especially in a competitive early-round tie.
The match itself has the feel of a proper cup occasion. Grimsby Town will look to use home advantage at Blundell Park, while Blackpool arrive as a familiar Football League opponent. The fixture is part of the early stages of the competition, which often produces close contests and strong local interest.[2][11]
For supporters trying to plan their afternoon, the key information is straightforward: BBC Radio Humberside carries the radio commentary, Mariners TV offers the club stream, James Hoggarth is the presenter, and Matt Dean with Gary Croft provide the main live commentary on both outlets. The wider competition context can be checked via the EFL Cup, which remains one of the most watched knockout tournaments in English football.
Article generated: 7 August 2026, 15:02 GMT