BBC Scottish football reporter Roddy Forsyth is to retire from live broadcasting after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The veteran Radio 5 Live broadcaster revealed Scotland’s win last night over Georgia would be his last match.
Forsyth worked for the BBC for more than 40 years and has covered four World Cups and three European Championship finals with Scotland.
He also worked on five European finals featuring Scottish sides.
The 69-year-old author and journalist said having Parkinson’s, combined with osteoarthritis, made it too difficult for him to continue in his role.
Speaking after Scotland’s 2-0 win at Hampden, he said: “I’m afraid this is the last game I will cover as a Scotland reporter for BBC Sport and that’s 42 years after I made my first contribution.
“Sadly for me it’s a combination of Parkinson’s disease and osteoarthritis that’s made it too difficult to continue lugging equipment and sitting outdoors at Scottish grounds in mid-winter for four or five hours.
“At a full house like we had tonight with 50,000 people here, the odds are that 100 people in the crowd will have Parkinson’s. This is twice as many as it would have been five years ago.
“Parkinson’s is the world’s fastest growing neurological disorder and it afflicts 145,000 people in the UK.
“No cure has yet been found but recent research has uncovered exciting lines of enquiry so if you get the chance to contribute to a Parkinson’s charity please help.
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“You will be investing in a healthy future for yourself and your loved ones.”
He added: “Can I please say a massive thank you to BBC Sport, my terrific colleagues and its wonderful listeners for making this job such an exceptional experience. It wouldn’t have been possible without you.”
Having started with the BBC in 1981, Forsyth began his current role in 1986. He also covered Scottish football for the Daily Telegraph.
Tom Connor, BBC Scotland’s sports editor, said: “He’s a brilliant communicator who has led audiences through the twists and turns of the game in Scotland for decades with his memorable commentaries and analyses.
“At BBC Scotland, we’re grateful for his many radio contributions and also the interviews he conducted so skilfully for the landmark television series, Only A Game. We wish him all the best.”
In a statement, Parkinson’s UK Scotland said: “We’re sending best wishes to Roddy Forsyth who’s announced that he’s retiring as a broadcaster and has Parkinson’s.
“Thank you for talking about your diagnosis Roddy – and for four decades as the voice of Scottish football.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
