In Part 5 of our Legends of the Cue conversation with Alan McManus, we follow his transition from the professional arena to the commentary box, the television studio, and the world of podcasting.

After more than three decades as a professional snooker player, Alan retired in 2021 and moved more fully into broadcasting. In this episode, he reflects on how the balance gradually shifted from competing to commentating, what he learned from being around television production, and why explaining the game well is a craft in itself. Alan discusses the difference between studio work and live commentary, the challenge of offering insight in short broadcast windows, and his desire for more time to explore the deeper “nuts and bolts” of snooker stories.

That natural curiosity leads into a discussion of The Snooker Breakfast Podcast, Alan’s own show. He explains how the podcast began partly as a way to fill time during tournaments, only for him to discover how demanding regular podcasting can be. From recording late at night during the Crucible to getting episodes out early in the morning, Alan shares the behind-the-scenes reality that every podcaster will recognize.

The conversation is full of warmth and humor, especially as Alan admits to being old-school about technology, recording, editing, and the mechanics of modern media. Mike, Mark, and Allison connect his experience to the mission of Legends of the Cue: preserving cue-sports stories in the voices of the people who lived them.

This episode is ideal for listeners interested in snooker commentary, sports broadcasting, podcasting, retirement from professional sport, BBC and television analysis, and the storytelling side of cue sports. Alan McManus proves that the same qualities that made him a great tactician—observation, patience, curiosity, and honesty—also make him one of snooker’s most engaging voices.

Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.

Support the show

Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on:

Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1

Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with Hall of Fame members, world champions, and influential figures from across the world of cue sports—including pocket billiards, snooker, and carom disciplines such as three-cushion billiards. We highlight the people, places, and moments that have shaped the game—celebrating iconic players, memorable events, historic venues, and the brands that helped define generations of play. With a focus on the positive spirit of the sport, our goal is to create a rich, engaging, and timeless archive of stories that fans can enjoy now and for years to come.

Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher and Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, Legends of the Cue brings these stories to life—told in the voices of the game’s greatest figures.

Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cu...