Express & Star

Adam's on the road to Wembley for talkSPORT People's Pundit final

He bases his commentary style on the likes of Stan Collymore and Sam Matterface.

Published

And now budding football pundit, Adam Diouri is hoping his tendency to 'say it like it is' when watching the footie will help him hit the back of the net in a national radio competition.

Adam, from Stafford, has made it into the final of the People's Pundit, a contest run by testosterone fuelled sports station TalkSPORT, after successfully beating off 500 other wannabe commentators.

And if he wins the competition at Wembley on April 20, the 24-year-old will get the chance to put his analysis skills to the test on TalkSPORT's show for the last day of the Premier League season in May.

He said: "I'm loving it at the moment. It has been an enjoyable few days since I found out but incredibly weird at the same time.

Adam Diouri from Stafford FM is through to the finals of Talksport's people's pundit competition

"Five hundred people signed up which is completely overwhelming.

"I just can't wait for the final now – the chance to go to Wembley alone is amazing but to be going as part of this competition is the icing on the cake."

Mr Diouri beat six other contestants in the regional heats at Birmingham's Snobs nightclub after impressing a judging panel featuring former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin and TalkSPORT presenter Ian Danter.

Over two rounds he had to describe Wayne Rooney's spectacular overhead kick in the Manchester derby in 2011 and why the FA Cup was more important than finishing in the Premier League's top four.

"As a Liverpool fan myself, you can imagine how painful it was to describe a goal that determined our season but I got through it," he continued.

"The judges told me they were impressed with me and said they thought I was consistent and passionate throughout.

"To have someone like Dion Dublin say that you're doing something right means the world.

"I look up to Stan and Sam. They are my inspirations. I like to say it how it is and how I see it."

The former Sir Graham Balfour School student works for furniture upholsterers Acorns in the week but dedicates his weekends to presenting and analysing sport for local radio station Stafford FM.

He said working at the station had given him significant experience in helping him develop in punditry.

"I've been involved with radio since I was 16 and studied it at the University of Glamorgen – it's something I'm very passionate about.

"I balance between working in the studio and being at the games commenting on teams like Stafford Town, Stafford Rangers, and Brocton FC.

"I don't think I'd have got through if it hadn't been for the support of Stafford FM – they've given me shows and opportunities as well as tips to helping me develop. I can't thank them enough."

The final of the contest will be broadcast live on air on TalkSPORT and hosted by Arsenal legend Ray Parlour and sports journalist Mark Saggers.

To vote go to www.carlsbergfansquad.co.uk/peoplespundit

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.