Club's new 13-year-old stadium announcer praised

James "adopted the style of a boxing commentator" during his stint at the stadium microphone

A young football fan who stepped up at short notice to provide cover as a stadium announcer said he was pleased to have received "loads of compliments".

When Burscough FC put out an SOS this summer, 13-year-old James - whose dad Richard volunteers as a kitman at the North West Counties Premier club - put his hand up.

Richard said that while James was "very nervous" while announcing the teams in front of about 100 fans at his first game a few weeks ago, his son "hit his stride" on Saturday during his second match at the mic.

"He made it his own," Richard explained. "Everyone commented how amazing he was."

He said his son's performance was akin to the emphatic style typically employed by boxing commentators during big fights.

"Everyone, including his mum and me to be honest, was really pleased at how he seemed to take it in his stride, " Richard added.

"He was in his element!"

James, who is a Liverpool fan, read out Burscough players' names to a crowd of more than 100 fans

James said he found the experience "very good" and will appear behind the mic at Burscough's next match.

"I've always wanted to do it and be a sports reporter," said the young teenager. "I got loads of compliments."

To top it off, Burscough FC beat rivals Longridge Town 2-1.