Football great John Motson has passed away at 77 years old. Fondly remembered by millions as “Motty”, during his long broadcasting career he covered 10 World Cups, 10 European Championships and 29 FA Cup finals.
He left an indelible mark on football with his instantly recognizable voice and sheepskin coat, which became part of his persona. To honor the man who left us too soon, Daily Star Sport has compiled some of his finest commentaries from throughout his 50 year broadcasting career.
Origins
In the UK, legends such as Bill McLaren, David Coleman, Ted Lowe, Murray Walker and Peter O’Sullivan have made an imprint on football culture. But when it comes to commentary – John Motson stands head and shoulders above them all.
Born in Salford, he began working for the BBC as a sports presenter for Radio 2 in 1968 after previously serving as freelancer for BBC Radio Sheffield. His commentary of Ronnie Radford’s famous long-range strike which helped non-League Hereford knock top-flight Newcastle out of the FA Cup in 1972 earned him top billing on Match of the Day and quickly made him a household name.
For five decades, his name was synonymous with football, commentating on more than 2,500 matches worldwide. This included ten World Cups, 10 European Championships, 29 FA Cup finals and over 200 England matches.
He also commented on some of British football’s darkest moments, such as Hillsborough in 1989 when 97 Liverpool fans perished during a crush. At the inquest for that tragedy, the commentator provided evidence and was awarded an OBE in 2001 for services to sports broadcasting.
His voice aside, the former Dulwich Hamlet player was also renowned for his iconic sheepskin coat. First seen during a live report from snow-covered Adams Park before Wycombe Wanderers faced Peterborough United in 1980, it quickly became part of his signature wardrobe.
Rules
John Motson was just starting out as a broadcaster in 1972, unaware of the path his life would take him. He was working for the BBC as a sports presenter on Radio 2, and got his big break during a famous FA Cup replay between Hereford United and Newcastle United when Ronnie Radford scored from 30 yards out.
Motson became renowned for his signature sheepskin coat, which he donned throughout his tenure with the BBC. In 2001, he was honored with an OBE for his services to sports broadcasting.
As a commentator, his voice was instantly recognizable to millions of fans. Whether recounting Wimbledon’s miraculous FA Cup triumph in 1988, calling Zinedine Zidane’s sending off at the 2006 World Cup or Gazza’s tears in Turin 20 years later, his tone was both passionate and humorous.
BBC director-general Tim Davie once described him as “the voice of a footballing generation”, which is why so many managers, players and coaches held him in such high regard – always having the right words at the right time for all life’s most significant moments.
Scoring
John Motson was beloved to millions of football fans who tuned in to hear his instantly-recognisable commentary on television or radio for over half a century, being known simply as ‘Motty’ – famous also for wearing an elegant long sheepskin coat. Tragically, the legendary commentator passed away on Thursday at 77 years old.
Motson was one of the most beloved voices in British sport, known for his enthusiasm and sharp wit. One memorable line he coined was “Crazy Gang,” used to describe Wimbledon FC’s supporters during their 1989 FA Cup final victory over Liverpool 1-0.
Motson was also the commentator on one of England’s darkest moments: when 97 Liverpool fans died at Hillsborough, Motson led the BBC’s live coverage and later testified at an inquest into the tragedy.
His voice narrated some of the greatest moments in modern football history, both within England and internationally. His exquisite commentary of France’s historic Euro 1984 semi-final against Portugal remains one of his best contributions.