x

Life's a Pitch Live at Lunchtime as Murphy Leaves BBC - Ipswich Town News

Life’s a Pitch is live at lunchtime with host Mark Murphy presenting his penultimate show before he leaves the BBC (BBC Radio Suffolk, midday to 2pm).

Murphy, 58, has decided to depart BBC Suffolk after more than three decades, including lengthy spells presenting the breakfast programme, with his final Saturday and Sunday shows next weekend.

"BBC Local Radio is moving in a new direction and so it's time for me to move on and let someone else enjoy what I've enjoyed for the last 33 years,” he said.

"It's been a big decision to walk away from the job I love but I believe the time is right.”

Ipswich-born Murphy, who is married to another former BBC Radio Suffolk broadcaster, Lesley Dolphin, was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Year's Honours list for services to radio and the community.

Murphy will be joined on today’s show by legend-in-residence Terry Butcher, Tractor Boy and TWTD's Phil Ham.

Also on the show will be Town's head of ticketing Gavin Preston, talking about 2023/24 season tickets and the club's new singing area, and Australia-based Blues fan Austin Trafford Vidal-Cocker, who is is running a 27-mile marathon at Portman Road on Sunday to raise money for club legend Marcus Stewart and the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.

Following Murphy’s departure, Life’s a Pitch will continue until the end of the season with Connor Bennett presenting before being axed as part of swingeing cuts to BBC local radio.

What do you make to the situation at the top of League One? Can Town win automatic promotion? Send your thoughts on those questions or anything else via Mark’s Twitter or during the show by phone on 0800 141 2121 or text to 81333 starting your message with SFK.

The show can be heard on 95.5FM, 95.9FM, 103.9FM and 104.6FM, and on DAB, or online via a widget on this page by clicking here.

What to read next:

[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
McKenna: Everton Will Want a Party Atmosphere
Boss Kieran McKenna says motivating his players isn’t a problem despite the Blues’ relegation having been confirmed with the squad desperate to play in Premier League games such as Saturday’s visit to Goodison Park, Everton’s penultimate fixture at the ground that has been their home since 1892.
Palmer Nominated For Premier League Save of the Month
Blues keeper Alex Palmer has been nominated for the Premier League Save of the Month award for April for his brilliant late stop during the 2-2 draw at Chelsea.
McKenna: Cajuste is a Player We Like a Lot
Town manager Kieran McKenna answered that ‘it would be obvious’ when he was asked whether he would like to have on-loan Napoli midfielder Jens Cajuste at Portman Road next season with the Sweden international a player he and his staff like a lot.
McKenna: My Phone is Reachable For Promoted Bosses
Blues manager Kieran McKenna says his phone is reachable if managers of promoted clubs want to call him for advice on how to approach the increasingly tough task of making the leap from the Championship to the Premier League.
McKenna: We're Better Prepared For the Championship Than We Were Two Years Ago
Boss Kieran McKenna says it’s clear Town are better prepared for the Championship than they were when they won promotion from League One two years ago.
McKenna: The Reality is We've Been Very Adaptable This Year
Town boss Kieran McKenna says criticism from pundits suggesting the Blues have been too open during their Premier League campaign doesn’t overly concern him.
McKenna: There Are Going to Be Quite a Lot of Late Calls
Town boss Kieran McKenna says there will be a lot of late fitness calls ahead of Saturday’s game at Everton with the squad still hit by injury as well as suspension.
TWTD Pepper Poster Updated For Latest Call Me Ted Artwork
Call Me Ted’s poster for Town’s penultimate home game of the season against Brentford a week on Saturday is an update on a classic TWTD design by Dan Thomas.
[Podcast] The Naked Football Show - Listen Again
This week's Naked Football Show is now available online.