by
Stephen Chapman
Tributes are pouring in for legendary commentator, John Motson, who’s died aged 77.
“Motty” spent 50 years at the BBC and received an OBE for sports broadcasting in 2001.
Born in Salford, he started his career in newspapers, including the Sheffield Morning Telegraph.
His move to broadcast came via BBC Radio Sheffield and then BBC Radio 2.
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RIP John Motson
An absolute Legend of the game.
So many of us grew up listening to this man describe the action & goals on MOTD & cup finals. Sad loss.
pic.twitter.com/R9nWShRTzD— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) February 23, 2023
When he retired he said that it was an FA Cup match between Hereford and Newcastle in 1972 which put him on the map.
“I was still on trial that year on television so it was a big day for me. I went down there thinking that Newcastle were going to have a comfortable win.
“The guy who drove me down to Hereford for the game was called Billy Meadows, he was their centre-forward. He took me down with Rickie George, who was to come and score the winning goal in extra time after Radford hit a 40-yarder.
“Billy then drove us home, because they both lived near me in Barnet, and we sat in Billy’s front room and had fish and chips and listened to American Pie before Match of the Day came on and there, wonder of wonders, was my match propelled to the top of the show.
“I didn’t look back after that because the BBC realised then I was capable of commentating on important matches.”
He was indeed, commentating on almost 2500 games during his career, including 6 World Cup Finals and 29 FA Cup Finals.
His final game for Match of the Day was between Crystal Palace and West Brom in 2018.
“John Motson was the voice of a footballing generation – steering us through the twists and turns of FA Cup runs, the highs and lows of World Cups and, of course, Saturday nights on Match of the Day,” said Tim Davie, Director-General, BBC.
“Like all the greats behind the mic, John had the right words, at the right time, for all the big moments. He will rightly be remembered as a legendary figure in British sports broadcasting, respected by those in the game, loved by fans and an inspiration to those who followed him in the commentary box.”
Deeply saddened to hear that John Motson has died. A quite brilliant commentator and the voice of football in this country for generations. He’ll be very much missed. RIP Motty.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) February 23, 2023
Rest in Peace John “Motty” Motson an absolute legend and gentleman pic.twitter.com/8juZzCyvIH — Kevin Campbell (@1kevincampbell) February 23, 2023
In memory of John Motson, a defining and legendary voice of English football. pic.twitter.com/22ZpCB24E5 — EFL (@EFL) February 23, 2023
“Here’s Gascoigne, oh brilliant, oh yes! Oh yes!” We each have our own Motty moment. For me, it’ll forever be Euro 96 and Gazza’s genius. RIP John Motson. pic.twitter.com/1mTS6UcCsA — Sanny Rudravajhala (@SannyR1985) February 23, 2023
