Action Replay is a two hour football talk show broadcast by the Manchester United Supporters’ Club (Malta) on Smash Radio 104.6FM, starting at 8.15pm every Monday. This talk show focuses mainly on all Manchester United matches, the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. Listeners can streamline the programme from: http://www.smash.com.mt/

The History

The idea of producing and transmitting a radio programme takes us back to year 2002. The Committee had approached one of its Club Members, Manuel Chircop, who hosts a community radio station – Radio Galaxy 105FM. Manuel was very willing to help out and he in fact offered the Club one hour a week, free of charge, to air the Club’s voice on radio. This was yet again another first for our Supporters’ Club – in fact once more we proudly claim to be the first ever Supporters’ Club in the Maltese Islands to have produced a radio programme. The name selected for this programme was “Echoes from Old Trafford”, the namesake of our prestigious full colour magazine. The first programme was broadcast towards the end of season 2001/2002, precisely on Thursday 11th April 2002, the first crew members being Randolph Mizzi, John Calleja and Joseph Tedesco, whilst the first guest was then Club President Franco Mizzi.

However, a few years later, as requested by Club members during the Annual General Meeting of 2005, the radio programme moved to a national station – Smash Radio 104.6 FM. This move gave the opportunity to all Manchester United supporters everywhere in Malta and Gozo to tune in to the programme. The air time was no longer free of charge, which meant that the Committee had to face a new expenditure. Since the programme was now being transmitted from a national frequency, the Committee had the task of seeking sponsors to cover the costs incurred. Moreover, the programme was given a new name which it has retained to this day – “Action Replay”. The first programme was transmitted on Thursday 15th September 2005, crew members being Rodney Giusti, John Calleja and Ray Abdilla, The first programme was one hour in duration and the initial guest in the new series was Patrick Critien, editor of the Echoes magazine. For the second programme, the Club was awarded an extension of 30 minutes and as from January 2006 the programme was extended to a full two hours, but as from October 2008 this has again been reduced to one hour, although when the discussion becomes interesting and animated, it is not unusual for an overspill of 20 minutes or so to be added on!

From November 2008 onwards, the responsibility of presenter was willingly and ably taken up by Darren Grech. The prorgram duration was extended back to 2 hours.

From November 2010, taking into consideration feedback and the introduction of the Europa League (new structure for ex UEFA Cup competition) program was moved from Thursday to Monday. Moreover Monday was closer to the weekend and we felt that discussions about the Premier League games would be more appropriate one day after the weekend rather than 4 days later. Also, as from this season John Calleja's feedback would start reaching the listeners through a weekly half an hour phone call during the programme.   

From October 2011 Darren was joined by Kevin Tabone as co presenter. Darren and Kevin together formed a great tandem. They have included a number of new features, most of which  have generally been suggested by Club members through the 2010 Club survey.

From October 2012 Kevin Tabone became main presenter and was joined by co presenter Clint Camilleri. Clint shall be replacing Darren for the first 3 months. They are always accompanied in studio by a Committee member (alternatievly Joe Catania, Patrick Critien or Joseph Tedesco). John Calleja delivers his expert analysis over the phone and most of the time a guest speaker or speakers are invited every week.

The panel often includes Club members, local sports journalists, representatives from other supporters’ clubs and personalities from different sections of society who are obviously interested in football. The Club has also been honoured to have as guests in studio ex-players such as Jack Crompton and Andy Ritchie and on 6th Februray 2012 the Club organised phone interviews with Wilf McGuinness and Sandy Busby. There have also been several prize competitions as an added attraction to listeners.

Results from the annual Malta Broadcasting Authority survey always seem to clearly indicate that the programme has good following. SMSs and general feedback also show that the programme is quite popular.

Participating in Action Replay

Listeners are invited to make contact with us during the programme, and the panel present would then dedicate some time to discuss the views brought up individually. Text messages may be sent on air by SMS on 50613103 (each SMS costs €0.23). Listeners can also use the Facebook page www.facebook.com/manutdmalta or www.twitter.com/manutd_malta.

Sponsors

Without the help of our sponsors, Action Replay could not be as successful as it is at present. However, more financial help is still needed to cover the expenses that this radio programme entails. If interested to sponsor Action Replay, kindly send us an e-mail on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive a copy of the rate card.

A big thank you goes to our current sponsors, namely GO, Budweiser, Incognito Bar and Restaurant, Paper Clips Stationery, Strand Electronics, Croce Bonaci and Tat-Targa Boarding Kennels.