Phil Steele is a very well known figure amongst the rugby loving players and supporters of Welsh regional and club rugby. After a prefessional career with Glamorgan Wanderers and Newport RFC Phil developed a career as an after dinner speaker, commentator and sports broadcaster. In recent years he has been a pitchside reporter for BBC Wales Scrum V bringing his brand of warm humour to our TV screens as well as pioneering new ways of covering the sport. Speaking to both players and coaching staff during the game, his familiar way of ending all pre half time interviews with players, 'have a good orange', has become his catch phrase and has endeared him to supporters everywhere.
But Phil is also a great lover of cricket and in this episode he sketches out his cricketing career alongside what he thinks about the game. As usual, time spent with Phil inevitably involves amusing stories about the people he has met whilst playing and the enjoyable experiences he has had playing .
Phil reflects on his cricketing experiences as well as his time as a broadcaster when he has covered cricketing stories including his series about Glamorgan players of the past and his radio documentary about the relationship between Welsh club cricketer Doug Davies and the great Donald Bradman.
Always willing to reflect on wider issues Phil talks about his battle with mental health difficulties and cricket's attempts to deal with the issue. He finishes with his thoughts on the future of the game and his enjoyment of simply sitting and watching cricket from the stands at Sophia Gardens.
Phil's book, entitled 'Nerves of Steele' was published in 2016. If you are interested in purchasing a copy you can do so here:
https://welsh-academic-press.shopfactory.com/contents/en-uk/p23_Nerves-of-Steele.html