Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterFor a generation of younger football fans, Chris Kamara is known as one of the countrys most beloved broadcasters from his time during Soccer Saturdays Golden Age, when the show redefined the experience of consuming Saturday afternoon football.But this, in effect, is the third phase in Kamaras career, which began as a player for Portsmouth in the 1970s and after more than 600 appearances, continued in the dugout when he was given the job at Bradford City in November 1995.By the end of that season, Kamara was able to guide the Bantams to promotion back to the second tier via the playoffs, the high point in his two-year stint in charge of the West Yorkshire side.Pick the ultimate 4-4-2 line-up from players in FourFourTwo's definitive Top 100 ListWhy Chris Kamara packed in coachingAn amazing day and what a memory to give those fans, Kamara recalls to FourFourTwo on Bradfords play-off victory.But just two years after this play-off success, Kamara would find himself at a career crossroads, having endured a difficult ten-week spell at Stoke City. You may like Chris Kamara on why he never thought Soccer Saturday would be a hit Chris Kamara on his infamous Anthony Vanden Borre mix-up "Whenever I said Unbelievable Jeff! theyd have to all down their whole pints" Chris Kamara on his legendary catchphrase and how it became part of university drinking culture Ever since his promotion with the Bantams, the former Leeds United midfielder found himself increasingly in demand as a television pundit.It was during that season that I was on television a lot more, for interviews, punditry and all the rest of it, he continues. It was something I loved doing.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.This failed stint at Stoke would then act as a catalyst for his future media career.I later went to manage Stoke and I regret that, he admits. Id been popular there as a player, but it didnt work out as a manager.Kamaras ease in front of the TV cameras and his infectious personality had seen him make a considerable impact on television, with next move coming after a conversation at home.Once I left in 1998, I had lots of offers to return to the game, he continues.But my wife Anne said, Youre loving the TV work and youre good at it, why dont you keep going?This would prove to be sage advice, changing the course of Kamaras career and handing the viewing public one of their most beloved characters.TOPICSBradford CityPremier LeagueJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromEd McCambridgeStaff Writer
