IAN Dennis did not take offence when Kenny Dalglish told him he had 'the perfect face for radio.'

The 28-year-old is used to jibes from managers and feels they are actually quite a compliment.

Ian has moved on from jokes made by Mr Dalglish and now suffers at the expense of Leeds United staff, swift to pounce on his rare mistakes.

"Earlier this season, Leeds beat Spartak Moscow 1-0 in the UEFA Cup. This meant they went through to the next round on the away goals rule. However, I said the game was heading for extra time. Eddie Gray (former Leeds star and now assistant manager) phoned me the next day to take the mickey."

Ian has now been labelled ET at Elland Road. "They shout it's ET (extra time) Dennis, but I don't really mind," he said.

He admits to becoming very excited during the course of his commentaries on BBC Radio Leeds.

He is paid to follow a team he does not support (Leeds United) but Ian feels that is irrelevant. "You have to be professional. You are the eyes of the supporters at home. It doesn't matter whether you support the team or not. You have to provide them with as full a picture as possible."

"We are broadcasting to a Leeds United audience and I do want Leeds to win. Being in local radio allows you to be somewhat biased. It is not like national radio where you have to be more straight down the line," he said.

Leeds United fans who remember Ian's commentary from the game against Liverpool at Anfield last season could never accuse the commentator of lacking enthusiasm.

This was no occasion for a polite 'oh, what a fine goal.' Ian freely admits to jumping up and screeching 'yeeeeesssssss' as Leeds secured a 3-1 victory.

"I got some stick from friends and colleagues about that one," he said.

However, Ian is not a commen

tator who favours the screeching/shouting commentary style generally. "Each commentator has his own style. They have to be comfortable with it. It is a matter of taste for the listener."

He feels there is no such thing as the perfect commentary. "I was once told the day you feel you've done the perfect commentary is the day you should quit," he said.

What of that letter to John Motson, which inspired Ian to go after his dream?

John Motson did reply to Ian's letter and told him determination and enthusiasm were the keys to success.

Ian has never forgotten 'Motty's' advice and stints on a racing line, cricket coverage, freelance work, sports editor at BBC Newcastle and a spell on Radio Five Live eventually led to his present job at Radio Leeds.

This is a man who is very happy with his career. "I really don't see it as a job. It's a fantastic hobby. I get paid to go and watch what other people have to pay to go and see," he said.

Ian took up the Radio Leeds hot seat at the start of the 1998/99 season. He replaced the popular Bryn Law who had established a strong rapport with former Leeds United legend Norman Hunter.

However, the new partnership of Ian and Norman has proved equally big a hit with listeners.

Norman is quite simply a Leeds United legend, but Ian feels the match summariser is far more than just a famous name to encourage listeners to tune in.

"Norman has taught me so much. He can spot things on the pitch that I might not otherwise see. We talk endlessly about football. Both he and Peter Lorimer (another ex Leeds United star and Radio Leeds summariser) are tremendous fun - particularly on away trips," he said.

How does Ian refine his technique? Quite simple. He commentates on lamp posts. "I'm sure some people seeing me drive along must think I'm mad. I'll be there talking away about two lamp posts on the left, with a car parked on the right," he said.

The preparation started early. As a child Ian used to commentate on the table football matches he used to play.

He believes strongly that it is not a question of having qualifications to be a football commentator. He goes back to Motty's two key words - determination and enthusiasm.

Ian feels the listener wants the commentator to be as genuine as possible. "I try to be as natural as possible. I try and avoid cliches and if a game is exciting I will try and get that across. However, if the game is dreadful, I won't try and hide the fact," he said.

He believes the commentator is not the 'star' of the show. "I always say people are listening to Norman Hunter and myself on BBC Radio Leeds. Norman is the 'name' if you like, not me," said Ian.

His biggest dread is arriving late for a game (he usually gets to the ground at least two hours before the scheduled kick off) or equipment failure.

"I was really panicking on one occasion last season. I got stuck in traffic and only arrived at Villa Park with 15 minutes to spare," he said.

Travel is one of the perks of Ian's job - and not just to glamourous exotic locations such as Villa Park in Birmingham.

Already this season, he has followed Leeds United to Russia (twice) and Sofia in Bulgaria.

"I realise I'm very lucky and get to visit places I might otherwise never see," he said.

Far from the stereotypical image of footballers, Ian believes most players are happy to talk to him and do have interesting points to make.

"Michael Bridges at Leeds is very articulate and club skipper Lucas Radebe must be the friendliest man in football," he said.

"I think some of the younger players can be a bit wary, but most realise you have a job to do," said Ian.

Ian is always happy to receive constructive criticism. "People do come up to me and say why don't you do this, or why not try that. I do take these points on board," he said. The Addingham man's work is clearly appreciated by the

listeners and this means a lot to Ian.

"I have a friend who is blind so I always keep her in mind when I am doing my commentary," he said.

Ian receives letters from blind Leeds fans thanking him for 'bringing the game to life' for them. He was so touched by one lady's letter that he phoned her up to thank her and offered her tickets to a game.

The lady declined his offer, stating that Ian's commentary gave her far more pleasure than

attending the actual game ever would.

"That's job satisfaction," he said.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.