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      Robert Chase dead at 84: Former Norwich chairman who oversaw club’s most successful spell dies after short illness

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      FORMER Norwich City chairman Robert Chase has died.The 84-year-old’s family confirmed the sad news today that he passed away on Friday after a short illness.
      Ex-Norwich City chairman Robert Chase has died
      Chase was in charge of the now Championship club from 1985 to 1996.
      His time at the helm coincided with one of the most successful periods of the club’s history, which included their famous Uefa Cup triumph over Bayern Munich in 1993.
      Chase was a great-grandfather, who had three sons, and leaves behind his wife Ruth.
      The family confirmed they were by his side when he died as they also thanked people for their condolences.
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      Norwich had three finishes in the top five of the English Football League during his time there before he left in 1996.
      A statement from Norwich read: “Norwich City are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former club chairman Robert Chase.
      “Chase joined the board of the club in 1982 before becoming chairman in 1985.
      “During his time as chair, the club enjoyed some of their highest ever finishes in the Football League as well as that memorable two-legged victory over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup.
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      “Chase was inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame in 2003.
      “All at the club would like to pass on their deepest condolences to Robert’s family and friends at this sad time.”
      Malcolm Robertson, A former sports reporter who covered the Canaries during that period, said: “Robert Chase will always be remembered as a highly significant figure in the history of Norwich City Football Club.”
      Albert Jones, whose dad Jimmy was vice-chair during Mr Chase’s time in charge, also says that he could not speak more highly of him.
      Chase managed the family construction business from the early 1960s away from Carrow Road.
      He also served for 14 years as a member of the Norfolk County Council.
      And he spent four years as chair of Norfolk Police Authority. More

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      Pelayo Novo dead aged 32: Spanish football star who was paralysed from hotel fall dies after being ‘hit by a train’

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      EX-SPANISH footballer Pelayo Novo has died aged 32 after reportedly being hit by a train.Novo had turned to wheelchair tennis five years ago after an horrific fall from the third-floor of his team’s hotel.
      Tragic Pelayo Novo played for second-tier Spanish clubsCredit: Getty
      Novo, pictured at the British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships in Nottingham last July, has died after another horrific incidentCredit: Getty
      Spanish media said on Tuesday night the former second-tier midfielder was crushed to death by a train in Oviedo.
      Novo was a second-tier midfielder for Elche, Cordoba, Lugo and Albacete – and also briefly turned out for Romanian side CFR Cluj
      And tributes from past clubs, as well as teams he was connected with, have poured in.
      Real Oviedo posted a message on Twitter.

      It read: “With a broken heart. We deeply regret the death of Pelayo Novo, captain of our Foundation. Family, friends: we are with you. Rest in peace Pelayo.”
      A statement from Cordoba read: “We deeply regret the death of our former player Pelayo Novo at the age of 32.
      “He will always remain in the memory of the Cordobesistas, since a cross of his made us ‘touch the sky in Las Tendillas’.Our sincere condolences to family and friends.”
      Novo was 27 when he was seriously hurt after falling from Albacete’s team hotel in the North Eastern city of Huesca in March 2018.
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      He spent 51 days in a Zaragoza hospital following that accident.
      And when he was moved to the Toledo National Paraplegic Hospital he captured hearts with his attitude once he realised he’d never play football again.
      He became an ambassador for professional and aspiring disabled athletes in his country.
      Novo discovered a love for wheelchair tennis and eventually became a member of the board of directors of the Asturian Tennis Federation.
      He was also an active player who entered competitions and played at the Open de Catalunya most recently.
      Novo was seen as an inspiration for disabled sports people.
      Talking about his accident, a few years ago he said: “The human being adapts to the circumstances that he has.
      “It is logical that it takes time because there are times when it is bad.
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      “I managed to get out of that and now I am having a great time.”
      Now the world of Spanish sport is trying to comprehend his tragic death following a second horrifying incident. More

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      What happened to Jules Bianchi?

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      JULES BIANCHI sadly passed away following suffering severe head injuries in a crash during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.Bianchi was tipped to be a top prospect in F1 and had the potential to be the future of Ferrari.
      F1 drivers taking part in a minutes silence before the Hungarian Grand Prix
      Who was Jules Bianchi?
      Bianchi was born in Nice, France, on August 3rd, 1989, making him just 25 years old when he tragically passed away.
      He drove for Marissia for two years and made his debut in the 2013 Australian GP.
      That season, he ended in 19th place after failing to score any points.
      The 2014 Monaco F1 Grand Prix was Bianchi’s best finish as he placed 9th.
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      How did Jules Bianchi die?
      During the 2014 Japanese GP, Bianchi lost control of his Marussia and clashed with a recovery vehicle.
      The weather conditions in Japan during the time of the 2014 Grand Prix were treacherous and delayed the race from getting underway.
      Following the collision, Bianchi suffered a diffuse axonal injury which is caused by severe damage to the head.
      Bianchi spent nine months in a coma before passing away in 2015.
      Most read in Motorsport
      He was the first F1 driver to die from injuries that occurred during a Grand Prix since Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna.
      What did his family say?
      In a statement, his family said: “Jules fought right to the very end, as he always did, but today his battle came to an end.”
      The Marussia team, now known as Manor, said Bianchi had left an “indelible mark on all our lives”. More

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      Sammy Winston dead at 44: Ex-Tottenham player who became fireman dies as Leyton Orient lead tributes

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      FORMER Leyton Orient striker Sammy Winston has died aged 44. Winston started his career at Tottenham, where he came through the academy ranks.
      Sammy Winston has died aged 44Credit: Getty
      After hanging up his boots be became a firefighter.
      During his career, he helped Spurs reach the final of the FA Youth Cup final, in a stellar academy side.
      In 1996, he signed for Leyton Orient in the fourth division, making 11 league appearances, scoring on his debut.
      That was before joining fifth division side Yeovil Town, and then on to Sutton United.
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      Winston went on to play for a number of non-league sides before winding down his career in 2009.
      Tributes poured in from across the football world on social media after the announcement of his death.
      Leyton Orient said: “The Club is saddened to learn the news of the passing of former player Sammy Winston, aged 44.
      “Everyone at Orient sends their deepest condolences to Sammy’s family and friends at this sad time.”
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      One fan said: “A real gent & a real life hero having joined the fire service after his playing career.
      “He was still playing charity matches for an Arsenal legends side, which includes Joe Baker his old O’s team mate. RIP Sammy.”
      Another added: “RIP Sammy, condolences to his family & friends.”
      More said: “I’m absolutely gutted. Such a great fun guy who always had a smile on his face.” More

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      TV legend John Motson watched football in the pub on night before he passed away aged 77

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      LEGENDARY football commentator John Motson spent his final night watching a football match and enjoying a pint at his local pub, the landlords have revealed.Motson – who passed away at the age of 77 on Thursday – was at The George in Little Brickhill, Milton Keynes, watching Manchester City’s Champions League clash with RB Leipzig on Wednesday night.
      Broadcasting legend Motson passed away on ThursdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He spent his final night at his local pubCredit: The George – At Little Brickhill
      He had become a regular at the village pub when he moved to Buckinghamshire and established a close friendship with landlords Simon and Louise Babikian.
      And Mrs Babikian has revealed that he spent his final evening enjoying the football with his friends.
      She told the BBC: “Wednesday evening, the night before he passed, he came into the pub to watch his football match and sat with his mates having a beer and talking us through the game, as he would most evenings.
      “He seemed to really enjoy himself.”
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      Mr Babikian, who watched the match with Motson, added: “He was a true gentleman, a true friend to many people in the village.
      “He always had something very diplomatic to say about the game. He was very unbiased and just a true fan of the game and most sports.
      “My memory will be him saying goodnight, how he’d see us at the weekend and he might come in the day after for the United game. He just loved every team and everybody.”
      Mr and Mrs Babikian also told of how many of the local villagers came to the pub after Motson’s death was announced, adding: “I think this was his special place.
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      “But what is quite funny, is many different people from different generations might not recognise him until he spoke.
      “Once he spoke, he had such an iconic voice and was so pleased to meet people that recognised what he’s done for the world of broadcasting.”
      Motson, who was also known as Motty, commentated on more than 2000 matches on TV and radio throughout his incredible career, including 29 FA Cup finals, 10 World Cups and 10 European Championships.
      And the news of his death sent shockwaves across the football community.
      Some of the sport’s biggest names were quick to pay tribute to ‘the voice of football’.
      Gary Lineker tweeted: “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.”
      Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler said: “John was the standard-setter for us all.
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      “We basically all looked up to him – his diligence, his dedication, his knowledge. He was a very serious broadcaster but he was a real fun guy to be around.”
      And Clive Tyldesley wrote: “As a teenager I just wanted to be John Motson. Nobody else.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Slim Borgudd dead at 76: F1 driver who amazingly toured with Abba dies after battle with illness

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      FORMER F1 driver and musician Slim Borgudd has died at the age of 76 after a long battle with illness. The racer managed to enjoy a successful career in both music and motorsport.
      Borgudd drove for ATS and Tyrrell during his F1 careerCredit: Getty
      When he wasn’t driving, Borgudd was drumming with music another big passion of hisCredit: Dominique Musik YouTube
      He even toured with ABBA and became a session drummer for the band as he attempted to launch his F1 career.
      Borgudd would eventually take part in 10 Grand Prix races through the 1981 and 1982 seasons.
      He first drove for ATS and then for the Tyrrell team.
      He would pick up his only championship point at the 1981 British Grand Prix when he finished sixth in the ATS car.
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      Before breaking into F1, the Swedish driver raced in lower categories through the 1960s before making it to Formula 3 in 1976.
      His music career would bring more glamour as he played drums for Swedish jazz-rock bands.
      ABBA’s rise to stardom would actually help the star fund his racing career.
      Borgudd was close friends with ABBA founder member Björn Ulvaeus and the band sponsored him to drive for the ATS team with the band’s name on his car.
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      After his F1 career ended, he went on to become a European champion in truck racing before retiring.
      Tributes have been pouring in for the star after his death was announced.
      One fan wrote on Twitter: “RIP Slim Borgudd. ABBA drummer, F1 driver. Wild but excellent combo.”
      Another F1 viewer said: “R.I.P Slim Borgudd. I had the pleasure to watch you race at my first British Grand Prix in 1981.” More

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      John Motson quotes: What did the commentator say?

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      THE death of legendary broadcaster John Motson saw tributes pour in from all across the country.Motson was a much loved football commentator on the BBC for over 50 years, and his commentary gave us some unforgettable moments.
      Motson was a football commentator for over 50 years
      What are the most famous John Motson quotes?
      Motson had an ability to add to what was happening on the pitch with his incredible commentary.
      He added humour to his analysis, such as when he said: “For those of you watching in black and white, Spurs are in the all-yellow strip.”
      His comment came as many households across the UK were watching the match on black and white TV sets rather than in colour.
      Here are some other iconic pieces of commentary by him.
      READ MORE ON JOHN MOTSON
      Ronnie Radford
      During Hereford’s shock 2-1 win against Newcastle in their 1972 FA Cup replay, Motson delivered one of his most iconic lines.
      Motson was only meant to cover the match for a five-minute segment but Ronnie Radford’s famous 30-yard strike meant the clash was promoted to the main game.
      He famously remarked on the game: “Oh what a goal! Radford the scorer. Ronnie Radford! And the crowd are on the pitch. What a tremendous shot by Ronnie Radford.”
      The game was a catalyst for Motson, as he believed it was a turning point in his career.
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      Wimbledon win the FA Cup, 1988
      Wimbledon caused one of the biggest ever FA Cup final upsets by beating Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool team full of stars.
      Lawrie Sanchez scored the winner and Dave Beasant became the first ever goalkeeper to save an FA Cup final penalty at Wembley.
      Their shock victory prompted Motson to say: “The Crazy Gang has beaten the Culture Club”.
      The tears of Gazza, 1990 World Cup Semi-Final
      In his first and only World Cup, Paul Gascogine helped England to their first semi-final for 24 years.
      In the game, an overexuberant Gazza mistimed a challenge on West Germany’s Thomas Berthold which saw him receive a yellow card which would have ruled him out of the final.
      The card saw an eruption of emotion from the midfielder that was perfectly described by the legendary commentator.
      Motty said: “Oh dear. Oh dear me.
      “He’s going to be out of the final, if England get there.
      “Here is a moment that almost brings tears to his eyes.”
      England didn’t make it to the final, losing 4-3 on penalties after extra time.
      Gazza’s goal against Scotland, Euro 96
      One of England’s most iconic goals from one of their greatest ever players, and Motson just helped add to the moment.
      Gascoigne’s incredible solo effort against Scotland, where he dinked the ball over Colin Hendry before firing past Rangers teammate Andy Goram, was perfectly described by Motson.
      He summed up the goal by saying “Here’s Gascoigne. Oh brilliant! Oh yes! Oh yes!”
      Germany 1-5 England, 2001
      Motty confessed that his favourite match he ever commentated on was England’s 5-1 drubbing of Germany in Munich in September 2001.
      The iconic world cup qualifier saw England destroy old rivals Germany on their own patch, and it seemed as though Motson was as excited as the Three Lions fans watching on.
      He screamed: “Ohhh, this is getting better and better and better. One, two, three for Michael Owen!”
      He went on to exclaim “I think this could be our best victory over Germany since the war”.
      Read More on The Sun
      What was John Motson’s cause of death?
      It has not yet been confirmed how John Motson died.
      Motson’s family released a statement on February 23, 2023, saying: “It is with great sadness that we announce that John Motson OBE died peacefully in his sleep today.”  More

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      From the Crazy Gang to Gazza’s tears, the seven most iconic moments of John Motson’s career as BBC legend passes away

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      FOOTBALL has lost its most iconic voice after John Motson passed away, aged 77.Fans across the country are mourning the legendary BBC commentator, who hung up his mic – and famous sheepskin coat – five years ago.
      BBC commentary legend John Motson has passed away, aged 77Credit: PA:Press Association
      During his distinguished 48-year career, Motty covered ten World Cups, ten European Championships, 29 FA Cup finals and more than 200 England games.
      But there are some moments that stand out more than others and will NEVER be forgotten.
      Here are SunSport’s favourite memories from the ‘Voice of Football’…
      You can’t fault his appetite for the game
      The famous sheepskin John Motson wore at Adams Park became synonymous with the BBC legend
      It was an image that became synonymous with Motty.
      Read More on John Motson
      And was always a running joke when the weather mimicked arctic conditions.
      In December 1980, Motty reported live from Adams Park before Wycombe Wanderers entertained Peterborough United.
      Battling the elements, he delivered his message with aplomb and the sheepskin became a regular fixture.
      His commentating was something quite poetic
      John Motson delivered the famous line, “The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club” when Wimbledon beat LiverpoolCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Motty tapped into popular culture too.
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      One of the biggest Cup Final shocks of all time came when Wimbledon beat Liverpool 1-0 thanks to a Lawrie Sanchez goal in 1988.
      Cue scenes of hysteria and disbelief at the final whistle and a distraught looking Kenny Dalglish as The Reds missed out on doing the double.
      “The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club,” he delivered when the ref called time.
      And it is a line that has gone down in history.
      And he loved it when England did well
      The favourite game John Motson ever commentated on was England’s 5-1 drubbing of GermanyCredit: PA:Press Association
      When Michael Owen scored his third goal, John Motson was particularly vocalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Motty confessed that his favourite match he ever commentated on was England’s 5-1 drubbing of Germany in Munich.
      You could really tell too, because he took so much delight in Michael Owen grabbing a hat-trick at the Olympiastadion during the 2002 World Cup qualifiers.
      He bellowed: “Ohhh, this is getting better and better and better. One, two, three for Michael Owen!”
      But arguably his most famous commentary line came when he first started out
      Ronnie Radford’s goal for Hereford United defined John Motson’s careerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      It was the goal that changed Motty’s life, he admitted.
      Effectively, he was on trial at the BBC and he confessed that he “hadn’t pulled up too many trees at that point.”
      “What a goal, what a goal,” Motson screamed as Ronnie Radford hit a screamer for Hereford United in their famous FA Cup shock against Newcastle.
      “Radford the scorer. Ronnie Radford.” Motty then became a permanent voice.
      Don’t mention Brian Clough though
      John Motson loved interviewing Brian Clough
      Brian Clough was prickly with John Motson in a awkward interview in 1979
      In 1979, the legendary Nottingham Forest manager gave Motty a particularly prickly interview.
      Cloughy wasn’t happy about the BBC over-analysing the beautiful game, so he let rip on the journalist.
      “I think what you do to referees is nothing short of criminal,” Cloughy told him in no uncertain terms.
      Despite that, Clough and Motty always had fun jousting over the years and Motty always said he was his favourite manager to interview.
      Gazza’s tears at Italia 90
      Paul Gascoigne’s tears were best described by John Motson during England’s semi final game against Germany at Italia 90Credit: Getty – Contributor
      TURIN – JULY 4: Paul Gascoigne of England bursts into tears after losing the FIFA World Cup Finals 1990 Semi-Final match between West Germany and England played at the Stadio Delle Alpi, in Turin, Italy on July 4, 1990. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after extra-time, with West Germany winning 4-3 in the […]Credit: Getty – Contributor
      When Paul Gascoigne launched into a mistimed tackle and earned a booking that would rule him out of a possible World Cup Final appearance, we were shot to pieces.
      Gazza soon got emotional on the pitch, and his Spurs colleague Gary Lineker gestured to manager Bryan Robson to keep an eye on him.
      “Oh dear. Oh dear me,” Motty reasoned with the nation. “He’s going to be out of the final, if England get there.”
      “Here is a moment that almost brings tears to his eyes.”
      Finally, he wasn’t afraid to call it how it was
      John Motson was scathing of Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 World Cup FinalCredit: AFP
      John Motson will be sorely missedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      When Zinedine Zidane got sent off against Italy at the 2006 World Cup the world was stunned by what they’d seen.
      The world’s greatest player threw a headbutt towards Italian defender Marco Materazzi who collapsed to the ground.
      “And the referee has gone across now with his hand in his pocket,” Motty told us as we awaited the official’s decision.
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      “He’s been told about it. He’s off, it’s red, it’s Zidane! You can’t excuse that, Zidane’s career ends in disgrace!”
      Motty, you’ll be missed. More