Kamara in 'surreal' return to football punditry

Broadcaster Chris Kamara has described a surprise opportunity to return to live football reporting as "surreal".

The former Bradford City manager, who left Soccer Saturday in 2022 after 24 years with Sky Sports, was diagnosed with the speech condition apraxia in the same year.

Kamara, 66, told the BBC he thought he was "done" with reporting but confirmed he will be working for Amazon Prime Video's live coverage on Boxing Day alongside ex-colleague Jeff Stelling.

"I've been invited back to do a job I used to love, so you can't say no," he said.

Kamara said he initially thought the call from the broadcaster was a joke, adding: "I asked him was he sure, because I'm not the person I used to be.

"He said, 'you're perfect for us and you'll be reporting back to Jeff'."

He added: "It's surreal, I thought I was finished."

Kamara will be part of the broadcaster's punditry team for Nottingham Forest against Tottenham Hotspur at the City Ground.

The former footballer, who lives in Wakefield, said he was not nervous about his return "at the moment".

Kamara, who had a 20-year playing career, was appointed MBE in the 2023 New Year Honours list for services to football, anti-racism and charity.

Treatment since his apraxia diagnosis had made him "75% better", he said.

"Last time I did in-vision reporting my heart was almost coming out of my chest with anxiety, I had terrible palpitations," he said.

"But with the help I've had, with people rallying around me, I hope I'll be as cool as a cucumber."

He added: "The support has been so positive - so thank you to everyone looking forward to me speaking down the camera from a game again."

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