LEGENDARY football commentator John Motson, the voice of Match of the Day, has died.The sheepskin-coated man behind the microphone was the most revered voice in football.
He spent the latter part of his career at talkSPORT after stepping down from his duties with the BBC.
Stay up to date with all the latest as football fans pay tribute to a BBC icon…
‘Authoritative and qualified’
Clive Tyldesley has penned a moving tribute to fellow commentator John Motson after the broadcasting legend died at the age of 77.
He told the Mirror: “He built contacts as a journalist would in order to get to the story of the game that he was covering. He was as well connected as he was researched. And managers trusted him like viewers trusted him with information on their teams and tactics prior to games.
“As a result John could make a contribution to any heavyweight football debate. He was not only informed but he was authoritative and qualified. He was not only a talker about football, he was a thinker about football.”
RIP John Motson 1945-2023
“The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club” – Motty
John Motson was beloved by footy fans for his ability to turn a phraseCredit: Adam Davy/PA Wire
Goodbye Old Friend
TV legend Chris Kamara has added his voice to the many paying tribute to the late John Motson.
The former Soccer Saturday reporter said: “Just heard the sad news about Motty.
“Had the pleasure of working with the legendary John Motson on numerous occasions – a true gent. Such a lovely man RIP Motty.”
More from Tyler
“It is very sad that we have lost somebody who has been at the real top of a profession that I’ve strived to be part of. On the back of losing Dickie Davies in the last few days as well, broadcasting has taken a double hit.
“We were friends but rivals in a way as well, I suppose. Yet I was full of admiration for him and my deepest sympathies go to his family at such a sudden loss.
“Time marches on and John has left a great legacy with the soundbites, the voice associated with so many great occasions, great goals. It was a great career and a really good life and I’m sorry it’s come to an end today.”
Motty ‘set the standard’
Martin Tyler knew John Motson well professionally and his friendship with him went back years.
He spoke highly of Motty and paid tribute to a number of his characteristics.
Tyler told Sky Sports: “First of all, he was somebody I admired in terms of the profession enormously. His preparation was second-to-none, his attention to detail, his wish to know everything possible about the game he was about to broadcast. He was a real example to me for that.
“Before my first television game back in 1974, he sent me a telegram, which said ‘Talk little, but say a lot’. And I think that summed up John, really. He was economical with his words, but he punched them out when he spoke and they had great resonance.
“He was a funny guy away from the microphone, a bit quirky as a person, and had a great sense of humour. I think the sheepskin coats were to do with a game where he was doing a live interview, with snow on the pitch, and the coat came to the fore. I don’t know whether he got a regular supply of sheepskin coats from the manufacturers after that!
“It is cold on the gantry and perhaps emphasised that point. I’m grateful Sky have provided me with a lot of warm clothing over the last 30 years, so maybe I should thank Motty for that as well.”
Special place in his heart
Motty was a fan of Barnet and has been their No1 celebrity fan.
Despite being born in Salford, Motson began his journalism career in Barnet itself and watched them as a result.
He told the Radio Times: “I have a long connection with the club.
“I was a junior reporter at the local paper (the Barnet Press) that covered their matches.
“I’ve always lived around Hertfordshire and have looked for their results ever since.
“I go and watch them whenever I can.”
Voice of football
Motson had an ability to add to what was happening on the pitch with his incredible commentary.
Here are some other iconic pieces of commentary by him.
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!”
After England scored their fifth in the 5-1 drubbing over Germany the iconic voice said: “Ohhh, this is getting better and better and better. One, two, three for Michael Owen!”
He went onto exclaim “I think this could be our best victory over Germany since the war”.
Birth of the sheepskin
It was an image that became synonymous with Motty.
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.
The famous sheepskin John Motson wore at Adams Park became synonymous with the BBC legend
Iconic moments – 2006 World Cup
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.
“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!”
Iconic moments – Gazza’s tears
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.”
Man of the people
BBC commentator Ian Dennis has recalled a letter he received from John Motson offering advice on how to make it as a broadcaster.
The letter dates back to 1988 when Motty was well established as one of the best commentators in the game.
Yet he found time to help out a young aspiring journalist, something Dennis is grateful for.
He wrote: “Forever grateful. RIP Motty.”
A fan till the end
A final photo of John Motson has emerged showing the legendary commentator looking in good spirits just weeks before his sad death.
Motty kept attending matches long after his retirement from TV commentary in 2018.
And it has emerged that he attended a match as recently as February 4.
A snap taken by a fan shows Motson smiling at Sutton United’s Gander Green Lane earlier this month.
The British football favourite was attending Sutton’s League Two 0-0 draw with Stevenage in South London.
John Motson attended a match at Sutton United earlier this month
Iconic moments – Brian Clough
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.
John Motson loved interviewing Brian Clough
More tributes paid
Motson left a lasting impression on thousands of football fans and for many he was a key voice in their childhood.
England and Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips was one of those kids, and he paid tribute saying: “RIP John Motson 💔 The voice of English football 🙏🏽.”
Sky Sports’ Geoff Shreeves added: “Very sad news that John Motson has passed away. He went out of his way to help me when I was first starting out in the business. A kind man who was always good company. My condolences to Anne and Freddy. R.I.P. Motty.”
Liverpool legend Ian Rush wrote: “Saddened to learn that legendary commentator John Motson has passed away. His memorable commentary and unique voice inspired so many around the world. One of the most iconic and legend of the game will be dearly missed. Rest in peace “Motty”.
Author and keen footy fan Irvine Welsh tweeted: “John Motson’s football commentary embodies Englishness at its very best; that sense of ecstasy just waiting to explode from reticence and control. RIP Motty.”
Iconic moments – Life changing line
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.
Iconic coat and “encyclopedic” knowledge
Boxing legend Frank Bruno has honoured Motson and recalled the time he tried to buy his iconic sheepskin coat off him.
Bruno said: “John Motson RIP. Met John on many events he just called me ‘Big Man’.
“The man was a walking encyclopedia on football I told him games I’d seen as a boy he knew scores and who’d played.
“I offered two buy his coat off him once as a laugh when it was really cold, sad day for sport.”
Tributes continue
Motson finished his Match of the Day career commentating on Crystal Palace’s match against West Brom.
And Palace chairman Steve Parish has now paid tribute writing: “So sad to hear the voice of Football for so many years John Motson has passed away.
“A lovely man who came to many games with us long after he had ‘retired’.
“He was one of the greats, his words perfectly punctuating so many incredible occasions.
“RIP John ❤️💙❤️💙”
Iconic moments – Big England fan
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!”
England’s 5-1 win over Germany was Motson’s favourite game
Terry and Neville add tributes
John Terry and Gary Neville are the latest to eulogise Motson following his death.
The former Chelsea captain wrote: “RIP John Motson The voice of football.”
Commentator Clive Tyldesley movingly wrote: “As a teenager I just wanted to be John Motson. Nobody else. Terribly sad.”
Gary Neville added: “RIP John Motson.”
Motty’s favourite goal
Motson commentated over some of the best goals and best players to grace English football.
He admired the likes of Eric Cantona and Paul Gascoigne but amateur Ronnie Radford stands out for him because of his famous goal for Hereford against Newcastle.
But David Beckham tops them all thanks to his halfway line goal for Manchester United against Wimbledon.
Speaking of his favourite goal and favourite game, Motty said: “The one game that does stick out was England’s 5-1 win in Germany and if you pushed me for a goal it would be David Beckham’s from the halfway line against Wimbledon.
“I was shocked by the sheer audacity of it and I got a very good view!
David Beckham’s halfway goal against Wimbledon was Motty’s favouriteCredit: Action Images – Reuters
Martin Tyler honours “friend” Motson
Sky Sports veteran commentator paid tribute to John Motson, who he knew for almost 50 years.
“He was somebody I admired in terms of the profession enormously. His attention to detail was second to none. He was a real example to me.
“he advised me to ‘talk little, but say a lot’. That says a lot about John. A wonderful career, a great guy away from the microphone and a great sense of humour. He helped me a lot.
“A friend but a rival I suppose as well, but full admiration of him.”
Tributes continue
Many non sporting people have also spoken highly of the great Motson.
From politics to business, the commentator made his mark.
Alastair Campbell wrote: “So sad to hear Motty has died. The best. One of life’s enthusiasts, a man who loved football with every cell in his body and loved sharing his knowledge and passion with others. RIP.”
Alan Sugar added: “Sorry to hear that John Motson has died. One of the greatest football commentators ever. RIP Motty.”
Comedian David Baddiel said: “John Motson. Oy. Feels impossible: a voice that, at one time, was football. RIP.”
Anne was ever-present by her husband’s sideCredit: Rex Features
The pair both enjoyed going to The RacesCredit: PA
Iconic moments – poetic commentary
Motson built up a reputation for his quick quips and he also managed to capture the feeling of a big occasion.
Never was that more true than the 1989 FA Cup final, when Wimbledon produced one of the all time great shocks by beating Liverpool 1-0.
There were 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,” Motty delivered when the ref called time.
And it is a line that has gone down in history.
Voice of football
Motson became one of the most familiar voices in the UK thanks to his enthusiasm and sharp wit.
His interviews with Brian Clough were legendary but his relationship with many managers was close and a firm friendship – they trusted him implicitly and recognised his emotional attachment to football.
He covered more than 2,000 games on TV and radio, including 29 FA Cup Finals, 10 World Cups and 10 European Championships.
There were some comedic moments, most famously when he wore that sheepie in a snowstorm at Wycombe’s Adams Park in 1990, while his most regular on-air partner was Sir Trevor Brooking.
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