Why Are We Always On Last? is a fly-on-the wall account of Paul Armstrong’s 30-year career working for BBC Sport, including 15 years as editor of Match of the Day. From a virtual BBC monopoly of sports coverage, Paul steered the show into the era of Sky and social media – working with everyone from Coleman and Clough to Lineker and Shearer.
Dive behind the scenes of Britain's most iconic football program with "Why Are We Always On Last?: Running Match of the Day and Other Adventures in TV and Football," a captivating memoir by Paul Armstrong. This isn't just another football book; it's a hilarious and insightful fly-on-the-wall account of Armstrong's remarkable 30-year career at BBC Sport, culminating in 15 years at the helm of Match of the Day during a period of immense change in sports broadcasting. Armstrong expertly navigates the shift from the BBC's near-monopoly on sports coverage to the dawn of the Sky Sports era and the explosive rise of social media, revealing the challenges and triumphs of keeping Match of the Day relevant and engaging in a rapidly evolving landscape. He shares anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories, offering a unique perspective on the personalities, pressures, and pivotal moments that shaped the show we all know and love. More than just a history of Match of the Day, this book is a personal journey. Armstrong paints vivid portraits of the legendary figures he worked alongside, including iconic commentators like David Coleman, managerial giants such as Brian Clough, and footballing legends Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer. He reveals the inner workings of the program, from the nail-biting decisions about which games to feature and in what order to the often-comedic interactions with the stars who graced the screen. Expect candid stories, revealing insights, and a generous dose of self-deprecating humor as Armstrong recounts the highs and lows of his time in the hot seat. Published by Pitch Publishing, this hardcover edition (ISBN: 9781785314384) offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of television production, sports journalism, and the enduring appeal of football. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the history of British television, the evolution of sports broadcasting, or simply the behind-the-scenes antics of one of the world's most popular sports. A great gift for football fans and those that love British Humor, the 224 pages of laugh out loud moments will fly by.