Manx Radio SportsCast

Results, reaction and analysis to today's Isle of Man football, rugby and hockey actionPLUS, we hear from FC Isle of Man Manager, Lee Dixon on his side's defeat at Nelson and we bring the draw for the first rounds of the 2026 cup competitions in Isle of Man mixed hockeyRob Pritchard is joined by Tony Mepham, Lee Dixon, Dave Christian, Ben Cunningham, Neal Champion and Tony Mackintosh

In tonight's programme:The early Division 2 contenders meet each other in Manx football this weekend whilst three Canada Life Men's Premier League teams look to continue their perfect startsFC Isle of Man are back on the road this weekend in the NWCFL Premier Division to face one of their fellow league high-flyersThe 2026 Isle of Man mixed hockey season is here, we take a look at the opening day fixtures taking place tomorrow In rugby, the Hartford Homes Manx Shield is once again in the spotlight this weekend with the tournament champions beginning their title defence on SaturdayAnd in cycling, top junior and senior riders from the UK will be on Island this Saturday and Sunday as a major meeting makes a return for the first time since 2022 Rob Pritchard is joined this week by Tony Mepham, Lee Dixon, Dave Christian, Ben Cunningham and Rob Sorby

In this extended interview, FC Isle of Man manager, Lee Dixon speaks with Manx Radio ahead of his side's clash at Nelson in the NWCFL Premier Division this weekendBoth sides go into this encounter in good form in these early stages of the season, with Nelson having also been promoted during the previous campaign

An extended chat with Manx Radio's hockey correspondent, Ben Cunningham looking in detail at this weekend's Isle of Man hockey fixtures.This Saturday, it's a clean slate for all as the opening ties of the 2026 Isle of Man mixed hockey season await

An extended chat with Manx Radio's football correspondent, Tony Mepham looking in detail at this weekend's upcoming fixtures in Manx football.Among this weekend's upcoming ties, the early Division 2 contenders face each other; a trio of teams hope to extend flawless Canada Life Men's Premier League startsAnd a club makes its first ever appearance in women's football on Island this Sunday

After the class was suspended at this year's event, it's been announced that sidecars will return to the Isle of Man TT Races in 2027 as part of a new three-year commitment to the class.However, officials are planning some major technical changes to the class, aimed at securing its future for the long-term.Whilst the return of three-wheeled racing to the Snaefell Mountain Course will be a welcome boost for those in the sport... how challenging will it be to make it with the alterations being proposed?To find out, in this extended interview, Manx Radio has been speaking with Sidecar TT drivers, Lee Crawford and Ryan Crowe

Highlights of the NWCFL Premier Division match between FC Isle of Man and Burscough at The Bowl in Douglas Off of the back of an emphatic win in midweek, FC Isle of Man hosted a Burscough side going into the weekend as the early league leaders Match commentary from Rob Pritchard and Tony Mepham

Results, reaction and analysis to today's local Manx football and rugby, Plus we get team news ahead of FC IOM's match with Burscough who are tonight's visitors to The Bowl

On tonight's programme:Northern and southern derbies in the men's top flight are among the headline ties in Manx football tomorrow whilst the new women's season gets underway on SundayFresh from a big win on the road in midweek, FC Isle of Man are back at The Bowl in the NWCFL Premier Division to welcome the early league leaders - we hear from 'The Ravens'' ManagerThe new rugby season kicks-off on Saturday, but not quite as we were originally expecting - we'll hear about what's in store on SaturdayAhead of the new Isle of Man hockey mixed season starting next weekend, we hear about a brand new pre-season event taking place in Douglas tomorrowAnd this Sunday it's the finale to the Manx triathlon season as the 2026 Isle of Man Triathlon Championships in the north of the Island beckonRob Pritchard is joined this week by Tony Mepham, Lee Dixon, Dave Christian, Rachel Andrew, Paul Nuttall and Clara Isaac

In this extended interview, FC Isle of Man manager, Lee Dixon speaks with Manx Radio ahead of his side's clash with Burscough in the NWCFL Premier Division this weekend 'The Ravens' will head into Saturday off of the back of an emphatic midweek win to host the early league leaders at The Bowl

An extended chat with Manx Radio's football correspondent, Tony Mepham looking in detail at this weekend's upcoming fixtures in Manx footballAmong the ties to come include northern and southern derbies in the Canada Life Men's Premier League tomorrow (5 September) whilst the new Canada Life Women's League season is due to begin on Sunday (6 September)

Following a narrow first defeat of the season last weekend, FC Isle of Man are back on their travels to face Abbey Hey in the NWCFL Premier Division tonight (1 September).In this extended interview, FC Isle of Man Manager, Lee Dixon (who won't be in the dugout tonight due to suspension) explains how they hope to bounce back on the road this evening.

Results, reaction and analysis to the opening fixtures of the 2026/27 Isle of Man football seasonPLUS, we hear from FC Isle of Man Manager, Lee Dixon following his side's narrow defeat to Trafford this weekend Rob Pritchard is joined by Tony Mepham and Lee Dixon

In this extended interview, FC Isle of Man Manager, Lee Dixon speaks with Manx Radio as his side prepares to travel to Trafford in the NWCFL Premier Division this weekend.It'll be the first time both sides have met with 'The Ravens' hoping to keep up their unbeaten start to the campaign across the water

Darren Timson speaks to Ana Dawson who was back on the Isle of Man raising funds for the end of her 2026 Ladies European Tour.Dawson also speaks about her season so far.

Match highlights of the NWCFL Premier Division meeting between FC Isle of Man and Ramsbottom United at The Bowl in Douglas.After an eight-goal thriller between the teams in this fixture last season, both met once more looking to maintain respective unbeaten starts to the 2026/27 campaignMatch commentary from Rob Pritchard and Darren Timson

On tonight's programme:All eyes will be on the Snaefell Mountain Course this Sunday for day one of the 2026 Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT and nearly two weeks of racing actionThe chair of the organisers of the Manx Grand Prix has been speaking with us about preparations and the future of the event Meanwhile, the Isle of Man TT Marshals have issued a plea for new and experienced volunteers to help run practice and race sessions over the coming fortnight Now in his 14th year in post, Clerk of the Course, Gary Thompson explains some of his key responsibilities for both meetingsAnd outside of that, we take a look at football as we hear from FC Isle of Man's manager ahead of a home clash with Ramsbottom United in the NWCFL Premier DivisionThis week featuring John McBride, Laura Sawyer, Gary Thompson and Lee Dixon

Ahead of FC Isle of Man's upcoming NWCFL Premier Division clash with Ramsbottom United at The Bowl in Douglas this Saturday (15 August), FC Isle of Man Manager, Lee Dixon speaks with Manx Radio looking ahead to this weekend's encounter

The 2026 Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT are almost upon us, and once again it'll be a familiar figure who will oversee racing operations on the Snaefell Mountain Course.Gary Thompson is now in his 14th year as Clerk of the Course for the Isle of Man TT Races, Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT.After what he's already described as a difficult Isle of Man TT Races in late May and early June, his focus and efforts are now solely on this month's meetings.So, ahead of practice getting underway, we've been catching up with Mr Thompson to get his views on what's to come

The 2026 Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT are fast approaching, with both events to bring racing back to the Snaefell Mountain Course once more from 16-28 August.When it comes to the Manx Grand Prix specifically, a lot of what it takes to put the event on falls on the meeting's organisers, the Manx Motor Cycle Club.And as with any motorsport event around the world, the club is having to balance getting things ready for the here and now whilst also looking at how to progress going forward.John McBride is the chair of the Manx Motor Cycle Club and we've been speaking with him to get his thoughts on the status of the Manx Grand Prix in the road racing world and to find out how preparations have been going for 2026:

Just a few days now remain until the scheduled start of the 2026 Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT.Both meetings are due to run alongside each other during a near two-week period, getting underway on Sunday, 16 August with the first MGP qualifying sessions.And as that date approaches, members of the community both on and off-Island are being called upon to offer a helping hand to make sure that racing and practice can go ahead.The Isle of Man TT Marshals is on the lookout for volunteers - both new and experienced - to help run sessions throughout both meetings this month.Laura Sawyer is one of the directors at the Isle of Man TT Marshals and explains where they're in particular need of assistance

In tonight's programme:Pre-season preparations are well underway in Manx football with just a few weeks to go until the start of the 2026/27 season, we hear about some of the latest summer developmentsHundreds are expected to descend on Ramsey this weekend for the Isle of Man Marathon and Half-Marathon Championships on SundayAn eight-strong Isle of Man snooker team is on its travels across the water to take on counterparts from the UK & Ireland And we hear from Isle of Man professional boxer, Jade Burden following the announcement of her latest title fight coming up in just over two months' timeThis week featuring Tony Mepham, Dave Griffiths, Darryl Hill and Jade Burden

Ben Cunningham sits in for Rob again this week, coming up on tonight show:We catch up on all that's been going on at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.We also look ahead to the start of FC Isle Of Man's fifth season in English football which kicks off this weekend at home when the face FC St Helens at The Bowl.

FC Isle of Man's opening fixture of the 2026/27 NWCFL Premier Division season will be the start of 'something positive'. That is from manager Lee Dixon as The Ravens take on FC St Helens at home this Saturday (1 August).Dixon's hoping his side can improve on last season where the team finished 20th in the league table. However, he says progress will take time.

Ben Cunningham sits in for Rob this week, on tonights show:we look ahead to the Commonwealth games and all the action that has taken place so far.

Today is the day that Team Isle of Man gets its campaign underway at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.It seems fitting, therefore, that this episode of the Manx Radio SportsCast, takes a look at the squad which is getting everything up and running.The Isle of Man Bowls team is made up of four competitors - Mark McGreal, Michael Collister, Paula Garrett and Caroline Whitehead - all keen to make an impression in Scotland over the coming days.Ahead of today's action, we caught with the Isle of Man Bowls quartet to hear how about how much they're looking forward to coming up against some of the world's best:

Less than 24 hours remain until the 2026 Commonwealth Games get underway in Glasgow, and today, we're continuing our countdown with members of Team Isle of Man.On this episode of the Manx Radio SportsCast, we're catching up with the biggest Manx squad heading to Scotland... the swimming team.No fewer than 14 competitors will be taking on the swimming events with a mixture of experience and first-timers set to be involved.With their eyes firmly on the task ahead, we've been catching up with experienced swimmer, Joel Watterson; debutants, Oscar Maddrell and Libby Curphey as well as Isle of Man Swimming Team Manager, Lee Holland to get their thoughts on another exciting journey to come:

It's less than 48 hours now until the 2026 Commonwealth Games get underway in Glasgow with Team Isle of Man once again sending a big contingent to be part of this major international event.In the lead-up to the games, we at Manx Radio have been catching up with athletes and teams ahead of the trip.In this episode of the Manx Radio SportsCast, our attention turns to the Isle of Man's athletics squad.A five-strong group will see games debuts for Christa Cain, Regan Corrin and Jack Kinrade and they'll be joined by more experienced heads in the form of Ollie Lockley and David Mullarkey.To get an insight into how preparations have been and some of the key targets in 2026 - I recently sat down with Regan Corrin and Ollie Lockley as well as Isle of Man Athletics Team Manager, Steve Partington to find out more:

The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow are fast approaching, and in recent weeks we've been catching up with some of the athletes and teams heading across the water to take on the event from 23 July to 2 August.In this episode of the Manx Radio SportsCast, the focus is on a sport the Isle of Man is renowned throughout the world for... cycling.Two riders - Matthew Bostock and Ben Swift - will don the Manx jersey in track cycling in the Scottish city this year.To find out more, we've been speaking to Bostock and Swift as well as Isle of Man cycling team manager, Rob Holden on their ambitions for Glasgow:

In tonight's programme:FC Isle of Man's pre-season campaign is getting underway with the 2026 Summer Festival of Football in Ramsey - we hear from the Manx side's new manager on his team's preparations for this weekend and the new seasonIt's not just football action in the north, there's more coming at The Bowl as the Isle of Man women's national team begins its summer series against Ynys MonWe hear about what's in store for the inaugural running of a new rallying event on Manx shoresThe latest Isle of Man athlete to become part of the 2026 Commonwealth Games squad tell us of her excitement about heading to GlasgowAnd in cycling, racing returns to the ancient capital of Mann this SundayThis week featuring Lee Dixon, Wayne Lisy, Mark Ellison, Christa Cain and Niall Quiggin

On tonight's programme:The 2026 Southern 100 Road Races get underway at the Motor Isle Billown Course at the start of next week, we hear from the event's organisersHaving made its debut on Manx shores twelve months ago, the World Downhill Skateboarding Championships are back on the Isle of Man this Saturday and SundayOne of the major events on the Isle of Man's golf calendar - the 2026 Isle of Man Championships - gets underway for the knockout phases this weekend at Rowany Golf ClubAnd in cycling, we hear from a top-level Manx competitor on what's been a pretty impressive season so far on both the track and the roads Featuring this week Callum Staley, Selim Kemahli, Andy Nicholson and Matthew Bostock

In tonight's programme:The Isle of Man women's national football team begins its defence of the Cherry Godfrey Cup in Guernsey, we hear from the manager on their chances over the next two days Also in football, in the last week there's been big changes at FC Isle of Man including a new manager taking the hot seat - Lee Dixon tells Manx Radio what he hopes can drive 'The Ravens' to better things next seasonIt's been a big week for the Special Olympics Isle of Man squad at the Gibraltar National Games and we'll be finding out how they've been getting on so farAnd we take a look at the latest updates from athletics with more local competitors enjoying success both on Manx shores and across the water This week featuring Wayne Lisy, Lee Dixon, Pete Corkhill and Dave Griffiths

FC Isle of Man's new Chief Executive Officer says the financial stability of the club is 'difficult' without a 'magic benefactor'. Russ Kent was appointed to the role last week after previously serving solely as treasurer. The Raven's, which currently benefit from some government support, are entering their sixth season in English football. In this edition of Sportscast, Russ Kent speaks to Manx Radio's Darren Timson.

FC Isle of Man's new manager is calling for a change in the team's mindset. Lee Dixon was confirmed to take over the vacancy from outgoing caretaker manager Rick Holden this week (18 June).Darren Timson spoke to Lee about the work needed from the team going forward:

Ben Cunningham Sitting in for Rob Pritchard this week, On tonight's programme...We look ahead to round 4 at the Andreas Racing Association Championship.We speak to James Mcstay who wants to give children the chance to enjoy football this summer.Plus, it's time for the 2026 Parish walk and we speak to Ray Cox and Dave Griffiths looking at some of the islands top endurance walkers looking to cross the finish line in this years event.

On tonight's programme:After a tough few months, Isle of Man professional boxer, Jade Burden will finally have the chance this weekend to make history as she takes on her first ever title fight in the UKIn football, the finale to the 2025/26 Manx season awaits this weekend with this year's Paul Henry Gold Cup final at The Bowl in DouglasMeanwhile, the Isle of Man men's national football squad is in action this weekend when they take on the reigning Welsh top-tier champions in a friendly - we hear from the Island side's managerWhilst there's been a short hiatus in local athletics action, we get the latest on Island athletes excelling elsewhere around the world in recent weeks Rob Pritchard is joined this week by Jade Burden, Tony Mepham, Chris Bass jnr. and Dave Griffiths

Back in April of this year, Isle of Man professional boxer, Jade Burden was due to take part in her first ever title fight in the UK.However, at short notice, the event itself was cancelled, leaving the Island competitor in a tough place and considering her future in the sport.But since then, things have changed - the showdown has since been rescheduled to Saturday, 13 June and will see Burden face Katie Smith for the Commonwealth Silver Super Featherweight title in Bolton.With the fire inside rekindled, we've been catching up with Jade ahead of this weekend's fight to find out what it would mean to hear to bring a belt back to the Isle of Man, and also how she's coped with the challenges of the last few months since the original date was called off

The countdown to TT 2026 continues, and in this Manx Radio SportsCast, we've been speaking with someone who's at the very heart of all the key decisions at the racing fortnight.Isle of Man TT Clerk of the Course, Gary Thompson is entering his 14th year in the role this year.In 2025, he and his team faced multiple challenges throughout the two weeks as weather regularly disrupted the meeting, culminating in Mr Thompson having to cancel the iconic Senior race due to poor conditions, only the second time in the event's history that's happened with the other in 2012 also under his watch.Outside of that, there's also changes this year for organisers to get their heads around, including to the schedule as well as a couple of the race classes.Ahead of what is expected to be another busy year, Manx Radio spoke with Mr Thompson to get his views on the challenges, the changes and the preparations for this year's event

The countdown continues towards the 2026 Isle of Man TT Races and we at Manx Radio have been catching up recently with riders and officials involved in the racing fortnight.The focus of this latest episode of the Manx Radio SportsCast is someone who's been a dominant figure at the TT in recent years and is looking to bounce back after a challenging 2025.Last year, Peter Hickman had a challenging season on the Snaefell Mountain Course - an incident during qualifying week saw him ruled out of all of last year's races due to inury.Fast forward to now, and the 14-time TT winner and outright lap record holder is full of confidence in his ability to make his mark yet again over the two week meeting.As well as finding out about his ambitions for this year, Hickman also explains to Manx Radio how different a position the 8TEN Racing team as a whole is in compared to 2025:

The 2026 Isle of Man TT Races are fast approaching and recently we've been speaking with riders and officials ahead of the latest racing fortnight.In this episode of the Manx Radio SportsCast, we've been speaking with someone who needs no introduction... 23-time TT winner, John McGuinness.Already a legend in motorcycle racing, 2026 is another landmark year McGuinness as he celebrates the 30 years of racing on the Snaefell Mountain Course.So, what are some of his greatest memories to date and how does he describe his journey in the sport so far?Manx Radio recently sat down with the man himself to find out more(DISCLAIMER - This podcast does contain some strong language)

Results, reaction and analysis to the latest football action across the Isle of ManPLUS, we look back on the respective Manx rugby and hockey campaignsRob Pritchard is joined by Tony Mepham, Dave Christian and Ben Cunningham

On tonight's programme:The 2026 Ascot Hotel Junior Cup final tonight kicks-off another important weekend in Isle of Man football as the end of the season looms large, whilst the Isle of Man women's national team return to action on home soil on SaturdayFor the first time in more than two decades, the Isle of Man is fielding national rugby sides in a double-header of fixtures off-Island tomorrow, we hear from one of those behind the preparations for this big weekendAnd the Isle of Man's initial squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow has been revealed and Team Isle of Man's Chef du Mission explains how excitement is building for the games in the Scottish cityRob Pritchard is joined by Tony Mepham and also featuring Kris Hattam and Erica Bellhouse

Results, reaction and analysis to the latest Isle of Man football action this weekend along with the latest from the 2026 Manx National RallyRob Pritchard is joined by Tony Mepham and Chris Boyde, and also featuring Wayne Lisy and Neal Champion

In tonight's programme:Looking ahead to all of the latest sporting action on the Isle of Man and beyond this weekendRob Pritchard is joined this week by Chris Boyde, Tony Mepham, Wayne Lisy and Gareth Lloyd

Results, reaction and analysis to the latest Isle of Man football and rugby action this weekendPLUS, we bring you the draw for the semi-finals of the 2026 Manx Quality Sheds Hospital Cup in Manx footballRob Pritchard is joined by Tony Mepham and Dave Christian

On tonight's programme:A trio of league titles were decided during the week in Manx football, now the quarter-final stages of two competitions take centre stage this weekendWe also hear from the Isle of Man men's national football team manager ahead of his side's first home fixture in nearly seven years on SaturdayThe curtain will come down on the 2025/26 Isle of Man rugby season on Saturday with the Manx Plate and Manx Cup finals to be held at Port-e-CheeHundreds of some of the biggest upcoming talents in British cycling are on Island this weekend for an event celebrating an important milestone in 2026And in cricket, we hear about the Isle of Man men's side and their latest challenge on their travels this weekendRob Pritchard is joined by Tony Mepham and also featuring Chris Bass, Dave Christian, Rob Holden and Sally Green

The Isle of Man men's national football team is set to take its first step in its long-term ambitions for success in the coming years.The squad is set to take part in its first home match since 2019 when they face Halewood Apollo at The Bowl in Douglas on Saturday, 2 May, kicking-off at 5pm that evening.This contest marks the beginning of what's being dubbed the 'Road to Gold' campaign - a three-year project to build the Manx men's national side up to the Isle of Man hosting the International Island Games in 2029.The team's manager, Chris Bass jnr. led the side to bronze at the last International Island Games in Orkney last summer.Ahead of their friendly against Halewood Apollo, we've been speaking with Chris about his long-term vision for the team

The TT has a new book which details the near 119-year history of the event.It's called Isle of Man TT: The Illustrated History of the World’s Greatest Motorcycle Road Race by journalist and author Phil Wain.The book was released this month and features unseen photographs, full accounts of races from 1907 and rider and team profiles.Phil told Darren Timson more.

Results, reaction and analysis to all of the latest football, rugby and hockey action across the Isle of ManPLUS, we bring you the live draw for the second round of the 2026 Manx Quality Sheds Hospital Cup in Manx footballSimon Quine is joined by Tony Mepham, Dave Christian and Ben Cunningham

In tonight's programme:The first rounds proper of the Hospital Cup and Junior Cup form the majority of this weekend's Isle of Man football agendaIn rugby, a trio of Island sides are on the road for the final games of their respective seasons - In Counties 3 ADM Lancashire/Cheshire Minor Conference League, both Vagabonds and Ramsey are on the road, with Ramsey's game having some important extra meaning, and Vagabonds Ladies are rounding out a steady campaign in Women's NC2 North (South) with a journey to the league championsAnd in hockey the 2026 Manx season has its grand finale this weekend with six trophies up for grabs across two days of action for this year's Isle of Man hockey cup finals weekendRob Pritchard is joined by Tony Mepham, Dave Christian and Ben Cunningham