Lichfield Radio is delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Wagstaff as Head of Sport, bringing decades of leadership experience and a lifelong passion for sport to the station.
With over 40 years of service in the Royal Navy, Neil retired at the rank of Captain. His distinguished career spanned multiple roles at sea, ashore, and overseas, culminating in his appointment as Commandant of the Defence College of Healthcare and Training. Upon retiring at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Neil was immediately called upon to build and lead a 1,000-bed Nightingale Hospital for critically ill patients. This led to senior roles within the NHS, where he spearheaded innovation and transformation, and later served as Chief of Staff at Public Health England, guiding its evolution within the Department of Health.
Now based in Lichfield, Neil runs a small business and supports his wife Sally in her thriving Medical Aesthetic Clinic. Having moved to the area in 2012, he and his family are firmly rooted in the local community.
Neil’s lifelong passion for sport spans both participation and fandom. While football, rugby, and cricket top his list, his knowledge extends across a wide spectrum of disciplines. A dedicated Nottingham Forest season ticket holder, he has visited all 92 current EPL and EFL stadiums. He regularly attends matches at Wembley, Twickenham, Allianz Arena, and Edgbaston and other Test Grounds supporting England. He has been to Wimbledon many times, where he’s even taken to the commentary box during the famous annual tournament.
Despite his national and international sporting adventures, nothing beats watching his son play rugby locally, a reminder of the joy and connection sport brings at every level.
I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Lichfield Radio as Head of Sport. Sport has been a constant throughout my life, whether I’ve been playing, watching, or simply enjoying the stories it creates. Being able to share that passion with the local community and cover the sporting moments that matter to people here in Lichfield, Burntwood and surrounding villages is a real privilege. I’m looking forward to connecting with listeners and celebrating sport at every level. – Neil Wagstaff
We’re thrilled to welcome Neil to the team. His incredible leadership background, combined with his genuine passion for sport at every level, makes him the perfect person to lead our sports coverage. Neil understands what sport means to communities like ours, and we can’t wait for our listeners to benefit from his insight and enthusiasm.
Neil brings not only extensive knowledge across so many sporting disciplines, but also a real warmth and authenticity that will resonate with our audience. From grassroots rugby to international tournaments, he’s lived and breathed sport his whole life. We’re excited to see him bring that energy and expertise to Lichfield Radio. – Ruth Redgate, Programme Director
