INTERVIEW: Andrew Cotter – The Voice behind the action

Matt Jones - Editor 16:25 05/03/2015
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  • Anderw Cotter has led broadcasting coverage of Six Nations rugby, Ryder Cup golf, Wimbledon and even the boat race.

    Andrew Cotter is one of the most distinctive voices in sport, his unique Scottish tones having provided the soundtrack to many a rugby fan’s Six Nations weekend. 

    Although best known for covering rugby, the 41-year-old also narrates a multitude of sporting events, notably the Ryder Cup, Wimbledon and even boat race. During a visit to Abu Dhabi, Cotter talked to Sport360° about his journalism background, favourite stadium, and being put through the wringer by his beloved Scotland.

    How did you get into commentary?
    I fell into journalism without really knowing what I was doing. I’ve always loved sport but my degree had nothing to do with journalism. I was a French and philosophy student at Glasgow University – pretty much the opposite end of journalism. But, I knew I wanted to work with language, because I had a better way with words than figures or science. 
    So I combined that with my love of sport and applied for a job at a local radio station in Scotland and worked there for a few years before coming down to London.

    What is covering the Six Nations like?

    It’s a great time of year. I love it. The tournament is a nice sporting bridge between winter and taking you into spring. 
    The Six Nations is something all the other Southern Hemisphere clubs would love to try and replicate but they can’t because they haven’t got the history of great rivalries. There’s something special about it. 

    Lots of sports try and create an event, saying ‘this will be a great event’. But you have to have the passion and history behind it, which the Six Nations does. It’s tough to beat.

    What do you make of this Scotland team?
    We’ve endured terrible times over the last 10 or 15 years. Going back to 1999 it’s been really difficult for Scotland. They’ve got some players now though that can change things. Glasgow are playing well and they’ve got a new coach in Vern Cotter. 
    They can score tries now and they haven’t been able to do that for a while. Despite the fact we’re very pessimistic people, there is always some optimism at the start of the year. We seem to play OK in November, then we’ve got to the Six Nations and it’s all gone horribly wrong.

    With Glasgow Warriors doing well and Vern Cotter in charge, is there a genuine case for optimism in Scottish rugby?
    We can now score tries so perhaps we can challenge the better sides and win more convincingly. But, it always comes down to playing numbers. If we get one or two  injuries all of a sudden it comes down to a bare cupboard. 

    But even with little things like the resurfaced Murrayfield pitch, it breeds confidence and there’s a bit more money there now. 
    Glasgow at the top of the Pro 12 table, they play an attractive brand of rugby and they form the core of the Scotland side, so that’s why I think there’s more optimism. Cautiously optimistic. I think that’s always the way for Scotland.

    What are the prospects of a home nation winning the World Cup?
    It’s interesting to see how England get on because in a home World Cup, with their playing resources, they should be getting to the semi-final, if not the final. But I just don’t know if they’re quite settled yet. They haven’t figured out a few positions. I’m not sure if Stuart Lancaster knows or has been able to field his best side, so it will be very interesting to see them.

    What’s your favourite stadium to commentate in?
    The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. The atmosphere is special and the stands are very steep, so you’re right on top of the pitch. 
    In terms of commentary position, it’s probably the best one. You’re right there and when the roof is closed the sound bounces around so much. 
    I think it probably has the best atmosphere of all the grounds.

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