Watch Rochdale v Grimsby Town on BBC Radio Humberside with Matt Dean and James McKeown

The League Two competition on Saturday 20 October 2026 brings Rochdale up against Grimsby Town, with the match scheduled to kick off at 19:45 UK time. It is a pairing that has drawn plenty of attention this season, and the broadcasting side looks especially strong as BBC Radio Humberside takes on the presentation for the occasion.

The mic will be handed to Leo Joslin, who is in charge of presenting the match. He has been in steady form across recent broadcasts, and BBC Sounds carries a pre-match Humberside Sport recording featuring him dated 6 October 2026, a good indication that the radio team is settling in for another quality run. Listeners tuning in can expect the usual warm-up, match commentary and post-match verdicts all channelling through this single source.

Commentary from Matt Dean and James McKeown

The main commentary is being provided by Matt Dean, who has a long track record on BBC Radio Humberside. He was already working the Humberside Sport platform back in April 2021, and has since become a familiar face (and microphone) for league matches. His chemistry with co-commentators has earned him a string of Sports Talk segments, including one episode in which he and James McKeown discussed handing in a transfer request at Grimsby Town, a moment that captured the spirit of the match he is now commentating.

Joining Matt Dean as co-commentator is James McKeown, whose full name is James Karl McKeown. Born in Birmingham on 24 July 1989, he is a former professional footballer and coach who has played primarily as a goalkeeper. He began his career aged 15 with youth teams before joining Peterborough United, and he later returned to Blundell Park as a Returning Legend after spending 11 seasons with the Mariners, during which he made 505 appearances including 432 in the league.

Why this match matters

With Grimsby Town on the roster, there is extra resonance in James McKeown's presence, given his history of playing against and alongside the club over the years. Paired with the consistently reliable Matt Dean, the commentary should offer a well-rounded view of how Rochdale fares against a town that has seen plenty of action. Tune into BBC Radio Humberside ahead of the 19:45 kick off to catch it all.

For background on James McKeown, including his place in the broader football community, a full profile is available online.

Article generated: 20 October 2026, 19:47 GMT