Farewell to the man who set the standard - Steele steps down

TL;DR

Eric Steele has stepped down after 650 commentaries for BBC Radio Derby, marking the end of an era. His final match commentary was against Sheffield United.

Key points

Eric Steele completed 650 commentaries for BBC Radio Derby
His final commentary was against Sheffield United
He returned to Radio Derby in 2018

Eric Steele poses for a selfie alongside his BBC Radio Derby colleagues inside the pressbox

Eric Steele (second from right) alongside his BBC Radio Derby colleagues [Ed Dawes]

So that is time on another season - and my 650th Derby County commentary for BBC Radio Derby - which came to a poignant end against Sheffield United.

That match also marked the final broadcast for a much‑loved colleague as Eric Steele hung up his microphone at the end of the campaign.

Eric and I have worked hundreds of games together since he returned to Radio Derby in 2018, beginning with a Championship win at Hull City.

Since then, his knowledge, insight and deep connection to Derby County made him the perfect foil - especially for a commentator liable to lose their mind on occasion.

We've been through plenty together. From the uncertainty of the Covid outbreak in 2020, commentating on games in empty stadia and from hospitality boxes at Pride Park watching games on monitors, to covering the dismantling of an established Championship club and then charting its slow, patient rebuild.

Along the way, we also shared the joy - promotion celebrations against Carlisle at Pride Park and the relief of survival the following season.

It has been a privilege to work alongside Eric - not just a safe pair of hands on the pitch, but in the commentary box too. His broadcast experience always stood out, but so did his preparation, understanding of the role and respect for the audience.

Quite simply, he set the standard.

The measure of the man was the response to the news of his retirement. Messages poured in from listeners, alongside voice notes from players, coaches and managers he has worked with across the game.

Even Sir Alex Ferguson, for whom Eric served as goalkeeping coach at Manchester United, took time to congratulate him on his success at BBC Radio Derby.

Next season will feel very different without him.

I am fortunate to be joined by former Rams Premier League striker Malcolm Christie and host Dominic Dietrich, but there is no escaping the fact that Eric leaves behind a vacancy - and a pair of gloves - that will be incredibly tough to fill.

Q&A

Why did Eric Steele step down from BBC Radio Derby?

Eric Steele stepped down after completing his 650th commentary, signaling a poignant end to his broadcasting career.

When did Eric Steele start working with BBC Radio Derby?

Eric Steele returned to BBC Radio Derby in 2018, starting with a Championship win at Hull City.

What was Eric Steele's last commentary match?

Eric Steele's last commentary match was against Sheffield United.