ESPN signs more sports commentators

ESPN has announced more commentators to join its football presentation team for the forthcoming ESPN channel.

On August 3, ESPN America will be replaced in the UK by a new subscription-based ESPN service available in standard and high definition on Sky and Virgin Media.

It will carry the 46 English Premier League and 30 Scottish Premier League games acquired after the collapse of Setanta, along with action from the MLS and top divisions around Europe.

Former BBC presenter Rebecca Lowe will now join the football team to work alongside Ray Stubbs after it was recently confirmed that he would present ESPN's EPL football coverage. The duo will oversee the channel's first EPL match on August 15, when Arsenal travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton.

Sports commentary veteran Jon Champion also joins the team as chief commentator for all live EPL coverage, with SPL commentary to be led by long-time ESPN presenter Derek Rae.

Completing the lineup are former BBC 5 Live anchor Mark Chapman, ex-Sky Sports News host Kelly Cates and sports reporter Darrell Currie.

ESPN EMEA vice president of TV channels Jereon Oerlemans said: "We're extremely happy to bring Rebecca, Mark, Kelly and Darrell on board to the ESPN presenting team for the coming season's Barclays Premier League and Clydesdale Bank Premier League live football coverage.

"In Jon Champion and Derek Rae we have two of football's finest and most distinctive commentators, who will no doubt engage with fans of English and Scottish top flight football alike. Along with Ray Stubbs' experience in football broadcasting, we are confident the new team will bring their knowledge and flair to set the stage for this season's exciting sports calendar."