Watch Sheffield United v Derby County on BBC Radio, commented by Andy Giddings and Carl Asaba

The English Championship kicks off today, 24 October 2026, at 12:30 UK time, as Sheffield United take on Derby County in what promises to be a heavyweight clash. If you are tuning in, the main commentary is being provided over BBC Radio 5 Live, with a companion feed running on BBC Radio Sheffield, so there are two distinct BBC channels to follow the action on the day.

For those who prefer a more visual roll-up, the match is also being covered through the ITV English Football League Highlights feed, with supporting highlights available via Sky Sports and Sky Sports+. That means you have a choice of radio, TV and app-based coverage all pointing at the same pair of teams.

Who is on the press box

The main commentator for the day is Andy Giddings, who pairs up with Carl Asaba as co-commentator on the BBC Radio Sheffield feed. Their reporting is being supported throughout the match by the ever-present Chris Coles on BBC Radio 5 Live, so the classic radio experience is in safe hands.

Andy Giddings is a name many readers will recognise from the big stages. He works as Sports Editor for BBC Sheffield and is a familiar figure on the national radio feeds, sometimes being heard on 5 Live and on Final Score. His credits stretch beyond the press box too, with appearances at the Football League Show and Superleague Show, and he is also known as a presenter. On the day he is at home in the press box, which suits a match of this size.

Carl Asaba brings a very different pedigree to the commentating. Born on 28 January 1973, he is an English former footballer who played as a forward in the Football League. His career began with non-league Dulwich Hamlet, and his scoring prowess earned him a move to Brentford in 1994. He played for Cchester United on loan before moving to Reading in 1997, and enjoyed successful stintswith Gillingham, where he scored an impressive 36 goals in 77 league appearances. That kind of historical scoring record makes him a compelling partner for the day.

The reporter keeping it all on track

Chris Coles is the man on the mic for BBC Radio 5 Live today. He is a freelance broadcaster and football reporter, and he has a genuine piece of sports broadcast journalism credentials behind him. Coles works as a sports broadcast journalist for BBC Radio Derby, covering football and other sports programmes. Since graduating from the University of Staffordshire, he has worked at Birmingham City FC and Free Radio, and freelanced across BBC West Midlands, BBC Coventry and Warwickshire, giving him a broad view of how matches develop.

A note on the supporting commentary

The notes also flag Luke Chambers as a co-commentator for the day. He is an English former professional footballer, born on 28 September 1985, who played as a defender and was primarily a centre back. He is currently building the Harmonious Society, a brand driven by community and well-being, and he has long been a UEFA-licensed coach and former captain in the professional ranks. His role today sits alongside the main BBC commentary, adding another layer to the coverage.

With two BBC channels, a highlights feed and app-based options all lined up, plus a press box full of experienced names, today's Sheffield United v Derby County has everything a viewer could want. Tune in at 12:30 and watch the goals stack up.

Article generated: 24 October 2026, 12:53 GMT