From the Brit Awards to BBC Radio Devon!

Bastille drummer Chris Wood joins Gordon Sparks in the commentary box

A four-times nominee at this year’s Brit awards is set to drum home his support for Plymouth Argyle by making his debut on as a guest in the commentary box alongside BBC Radio Devon’s Gordon Sparks on Saturday (23 February).

Chris Wood, more commonly known as ‘Woody’, is the drummer with Bastille, the band that has in the last year had a number one album as well as chart success with their single ‘Pompeii’.

At this year’s Brit Awards (Wednesday 19 Feb), Bastille, will play live as well as being nominated in four categories.

‘Woody’ can then look forward to summarising on BBC Radio Devon as Plymouth Argyle play at Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday (23 February).

BBC Radio Devon commentator Gordon Sparks, who is approaching his 30th anniversary on commentating on radio, thinks it will be a novel experience. 

He said: “I have been fortunate enough to have managers and players (including internationals) alongside me, but it will be a first to have someone from the world of entertainment – especially given the popularity of Bastille.

“Being an Argyle fan is a bonus. I’m sure ‘Woody’ will fit in well.”

As for the man with the Bastille sticks, touring with the band restricts the number of times he can watch The Pilgrims, but he can’t wait for Saturday. 

He said: “Having grown up going to Argyle with my family since I was a young boy, I jumped at the chance to get involved with the team and the broadcasting legend that is Sir Gordon Sparks.  This will be a dream come true."

(The ‘Sir’ reference comes from a banner unveiled by fans on a pre-season tour of Austria, when they renamed a stand ‘The Sir Gordon Sparks stand’, which still appears at some away games).

Dagenham and Redbridge v Plymouth Argyle can be heard on Saturday on BBC Radio Devon on 95.7FM, DAB Digital radio, and to subscribers of Plymouth Argyle’s website at www.pafc.co.uk