'Time to say goodbye' as announcer hangs up mic

Broadcaster John Dalziel, known to generations of fans as JD, is stepping down as Coventry City FC's matchday announcer after 25 years.

The presenter revealed he was also hanging up the microphone at Coventry Blaze after 23 years, having accepted a radio job in the United Arab Emirates.

Fighting back tears, JD told BBC CWR he would leave for Dubai on Thursday on a one-way ticket.

"I just want to thank the city for the opportunities, giving me, an Aldermoor kid who just wanted to be on a microphone, the chance to do it in so many ways – I will be forever grateful."

"It is such a big thing and I hope I am doing the right thing," he said.

A lifelong Coventry City supporter, JD's final game as stadium announcer will be Wednesday night's Carabao Cup tie against Aston Villa, the clubs' first meeting since 2001.

In a fitting twist, he recalled that his first experience on the microphone also came during a match against Villa at Highfield Road in 2001, which saw the Sky Blues relegated from the Premier League.

"That was my first chance on the mic. They just wanted me to be the kid who ran onto the pitch, so there I was, high-pitched, screaming 'Come on you Sky Blues' - and that's where it all started."

Another poignant full-circle moment comes with his departure from Coventry Blaze.

His first game as announcer was against Cardiff when Paul Thompson was Blaze coach. His final game also came against Cardiff, with Thompson now behind the visitors' bench.

Looking back on his quarter-century with the Sky Blues, JD described the role as "one of the privileges of my life".

He witnessed some of the club's darkest days, including its exile to Northampton and relegation to League Two, but also some of its greatest moments.

"The feeling of interviewing Frank Lampard after the game against Wrexham and seeing him lift the trophy, then looking around and seeing 32,000 fans so excited, was just incredible."

He also fondly remembered hosting the We Are Back festival, celebrating the club's return to the top flight.

"What a day, what a time for the city. But now it's time to say goodbye."

JD, who has spent 30 years on Coventry radio and was best known to many listeners as part of the JD and Roisin breakfast show on Mercia Sound before frequent stints on BBC CWR, said he planned to continue flying the Coventry flag in Dubai.

One fan, Gail, said he would be "highly missed" and had "done the city proud".

"Don't forget your home is always Coventry. Go and shine in Dubai."

His former drama teacher at Ernesford Grange Community Academy, Mrs Withers, shared her pride.

"From the moment you left school, there was only ever one job for you. You were going to work in radio and you were going to be great at it - I wish you everything".

As he prepares to leave the city that shaped his career, JD offered one final message to listeners and supporters.

"Thank you if you have ever given me your ears on the radio, at the football or at the ice hockey, because I have loved every single minute, I will never forget my 30 years on radio in Coventry, my 25 years at the football club and my 23 years at the Blaze."

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