Administrator Stan Posted February 23, 2023 Administrator Share Posted February 23, 2023 Legendary football commentator. Anyone who's ever listened to football commentary on the radio or TV at any point in the last 30-40 years before he retired will instantly recognise his voice. Probably one of the first I can remember when I first started getting into football. RIP https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64742833 Quote Legendary commentator John Motson, who had an illustrious 50-year career with the BBC, has died aged 77. Motson covered 10 World Cups, 10 European Championships and 29 FA Cup finals for BBC Sport before retiring from the organisation in 2018. Popularly known as 'Motty', he had worked on Match of the Day since 1971. "It is with great sadness we announce that John Motson OBE died peacefully in his sleep today (Thursday)," said a statement from Motson's family. The son of a Methodist minister, he had stints as a reporter on the Barnet Press and Sheffield Morning Telegraph at the start of his career. He also worked as a freelancer for BBC Radio Sheffield before he joined the BBC on a full-time basis in 1968. After starting out as a sports reporter on Radio 2, he made his breakthrough on Match of the Day during the famous FA Cup replay between Hereford and Newcastle four years later. Originally billed as a five-minute segment, Hereford's shock 2-1 win - featuring Ronnie Radford's famous 30-yard strike - saw the match promoted to the main game, with Motson capturing all the drama. From 1979 to 2008 Motson - known for his trademark sheepskin coats and encyclopaedic knowledge of the game - was the BBC's voice on major finals such as the FA Cup, European Championships and World Cup. That run included his record-breaking sixth World Cup final in Berlin in 2006 and his 29th FA Cup final in 2008. He also covered more than 200 England games. His final game for Match of the Day was between Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion in 2018. He was invited on to the pitch after full-time and applauded by the fans before Palace manager Roy Hodgson presented him with a framed copy of the programme from his first and last matches at Selhurst Park and a crystal microphone. Motson became an OBE in 2001 for services to sports broadcasting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted February 23, 2023 Share Posted February 23, 2023 The term 'legend' is often overstated but I can't think of anybody more fitting of that description than Jon Motson. He was the voice of so many generations, inspired so many people and did it all whilst coming across like one of the most likeable and polite characters you could ever wish to meet. The world needs more people like Jon Motson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Stan Posted February 23, 2023 Author Administrator Share Posted February 23, 2023 3 minutes ago, The Palace Fan said: The term 'legend' is often overstated but I can't think of anybody more fitting of that description than Jon Motson. He was the voice of so many generations, inspired so many people and did it all whilst coming across like one of the most likeable and polite characters you could ever wish to meet. The world needs more people like Jon Motson. Can guarantee that any commentator in the game now would have been inspired by hearing Motty on comms when they were growing up. That's some legacy to leave from retirement and in his death. A sad day for British football. So many iconic lines of commentary over the years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Stan Posted February 23, 2023 Author Administrator Share Posted February 23, 2023 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucas Posted February 23, 2023 Share Posted February 23, 2023 Icon. Absolute Icon. He was the voice of Football for me, from the days when I didn't have access to Sky and relied solely on the BBC for Match of the Day, FA Cup games or England. I'd say him, Barry Davies and Brian Moore were as top tier as it got. Everyone always talks about that Ronnie Radford goal for Hereford v Newcastle that he commentated on, but for me, it's his dulcit tones for Beckham's last gasp goal v Greece that still play in my mind. Plus, how often are we EVER going to hear "Emile Heskey, could it be Five? YES IT IS!" in a Germany England game Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Posted February 23, 2023 Share Posted February 23, 2023 Sad sad news. Motson was one of the best commentators out there, if not the best. His commentary voice was very distinctive and he commentated on some of the most important football matches over the last 40 years. He was very professional and he really captivated the viewers with his style of commentary. RIP John Motson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Stan Posted February 23, 2023 Author Administrator Share Posted February 23, 2023 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subscriber CaaC (John)+ Posted February 23, 2023 Subscriber Share Posted February 23, 2023 Motson and Barry Davies were the best sporting commentators, especially football, going and Davies is still around today so it's a sad loss that John Motson has gone R.I.P. John, my thoughts go out to all the ones you left behind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N U F C Posted February 23, 2023 Share Posted February 23, 2023 Very sad indeed, definitely one of the most iconic sports commentators ever and for me he was the voice of football growing up. RIP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redcanuck Posted February 23, 2023 Share Posted February 23, 2023 Sad to hear Motty has died. Always enjoyed his commentary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redcanuck Posted February 23, 2023 Share Posted February 23, 2023 Sad to hear always enjoyed his commentary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluewolf Posted February 23, 2023 Share Posted February 23, 2023 Very sad.... RIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Gonzo Posted February 23, 2023 Share Posted February 23, 2023 Very sad news, my all time favourite commentator (and I'm sure he was for many). He was an icon for a reason. Rest in peace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juniper Posted February 24, 2023 Share Posted February 24, 2023 16 hours ago, Dr. Gonzo said: Very sad news, my all time favourite commentator (and I'm sure he was for many). He was an icon for a reason. Rest in peace. The think that made him great was his facts and stats he was just so good at recalling information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panflute Posted February 24, 2023 Share Posted February 24, 2023 Didn't watch football with English commentary obvs but I knew his voice well from the old FIFA games. RIP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reluctant Striker Posted February 24, 2023 Share Posted February 24, 2023 Yes, RIP. Was definitely one of the best IMO. I was lucky enough that the first few whole seasons I followed was the last season of Division 1 on ITV & the first few Premier League seasons, with Sky & Martin Tyler's voice on Sundays. But I always did see the celebrity in his own right around BBC's John Motson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subscriber Pyfish+ Posted February 25, 2023 Subscriber Share Posted February 25, 2023 A real loss for football and humanity. A great great guy who epitomised football and was by far one of the greatest to ever grace the microphone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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