John MotsonLegendary commentator who became the voice of English football has died at the age of 77.
Worked at Moson BBCflagship match of the day Since 1971 the program has covered more than 2,000 televised games, including 29 FA Cup finals and 10 World Cups, and his positivity and love for the game shines through in his work.
“Motty” as he is affectionately known came to the fore when commenting on Hereford’s 1972 most-billed non-league celebrity giant massacre against Newcastle United. match of the dayand his words were an important accompaniment to footage of Ronnie Radford’s long-range target.
After starting out as a newspaper reporter at Barnet Sheffield Morning TelegramMotson joined the BBC in 1968 as a sports presenter on Radio 2.
His long career also brought him two Olympic Games and his memorable 1988 FA Cup final victory at Wimbledon, where they beat Crazy Gang Culture Club against Liverpool at Wembley.
Awarded an OBE in 2001 for his broadcasting services, Motson turned off his microphone for the BBC at the end of the 2017-18 Premier League season.
for a long time match of the day presenter Gary Lineker wrote on Twitter: “I am so sorry to hear that John Motson has passed away. He is such a brilliant commentator and the voice of football in this country for generations. He will be greatly missed. RIP Motty.
“RAP John Motson,” tweeted Sky Sports commentator Jamie Carragher. “An absolute Legend of the game. Many of us grew up listening to this guy talk about the action and goals in the MOTD and cup finals. It’s a sad loss.”
Fellow commentator Ian Darke tweeted: “So sad to hear that John Motson passed away. Possibly the most famous football commentator of them all. Meticulously researched and maintaining the childlike enthusiasm and love of the game for over half a century of the greatest games, he set the gold standard.”
more to follow…