Tributes from fellow commentators have flooded in after the death of John Motson, who passed away aged 77 on Thursday.
Motson was synonymous with the BBC – where he commentated on over 2,000 matches on television and radio. His commentary portfolio included 29 FA Cup finals, 10 World Cups and 10 European Championships.
Confirming the news on social media, the BBC said: ‘John Motson, the voice of the BBC’s football coverage across 50 years, has died aged 77.’
Almost immediately after the news broke, a number of prominent commentators took to social media to write a tribute to Motson and appreciate the legacy he left behind.
ITV’s former senior commentator Clive Tyldesley wrote: ‘As a teenager I just wanted to be John Motson. Nobody else. Terribly sad.’
John Motson, who was synonymous for his iconic commentries and sheepskin coat, has died
Motson – who has covered over 2,000 games on television and radio – passed away aged 77
BT Sport’s Ian Darke said: ‘Very sad to hear of the passing of John Motson. Probably the most famous football commentator of them all. Meticulously researched and retaining boyish enthusiasm and love of the game over half a century of the biggest games , he set the gold standard.’
Darke’s colleague, Darren Fletcher, posted: This is such sad news – an iconic commentator with his own distinctive and brilliant style. The soundtrack to my youth watching football #RIPMotty’.
‘In shock. Thank you JM’, said BBC Sport and BT Sport commentator Guy Mowbray.
During a lengthy phone call on Sky Sports, iconic commentator Martin Tyler said: ‘I’m shocked to hear the news to be honest with you. I didn’t know that John had been ill. I’m finding out now that he had been ill a little bit over the last year or so. Hadn’t seen him so much since he disappeared from the gantry.
‘But I saw, I don’t know, 45 years of him on the gantry. 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. Before my very first TV game, back in 1974, he sent me a telegram. It said: ‘Talk little but say a lot’. I think that summed up John really. He was economical with his words. When he spoke, it had great resonance.
‘He helped a lot of people as well. He certainly encouraged me at the beginning. We virtually went round the world together – when I was at ITV and he was with the Beeb [BBC].
‘A friend but a rival in a way as well, but full of admiration for him. My deepest sympathies to Annie and Freddie and the rest of the family at such a sudden loss.’
‘Motty’, as he was known to his millions of fans, commentated on more than 2,000 games on TV and radio including 29 FA Cup finals, 10 World Cups and 10 European Championships for the BBC.
The broadcaster, a mainstay of Match of the Day for 46 years, was beloved by generations of football supporters who are mourning his death today.
Tributes flooded in from a number of commentators after news of Motson’s death broke
Motson was the commentator on the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough. He later went on to give evidence at the inquest.
Selhurst Park was the venue for his last Match of the Day commentary, as the 2017/2018 Premier League season drew to a close with Crystal Palace beating West Brom.
Afterwards, Motson went on to collect the Special Award by BAFTA, back at the Royal Albert Hall, in recognition of his distinguished career in broadcasting – which was swiftly dedicated to all at the BBC sports department who had helped him along the way.
Motson would also cover two Olympic Games – in 1972 and 1976, commenting on Greco-Roman wrestling – as well as sitting alongside Muhammad Ali at the Albert Hall in December 1974.
As well as fellow commentators writing tributes for the legendary broadcaster, there were a number of ex-players who penned a message in Motson’s honour.
John Motson poses with his Special Award in the press room during the Virgin TV British Academy Television Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on May 13, 2018
Lineker, who has long been the face of BBC’s Match of the Day, said in a tribute: ‘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.’
Ex-Liverpool and England star Carragher tweeted: ‘RIP John Motson. An absolute Legend of the game. So many of us grew up listening to this man describe the action & goals on MOTD & cup finals. Sad loss.’
Meanwhile, Manchester United legend Neville, who alongside Carragher regularly commentates on Sky Sports, simply wrote ‘RIP John Motson’ with a love heart emoji.
‘We will miss John Motson. His voice will always be ringing in our ears,’ Football Focus presenter Dan Walker posted on Twitter, summing up the sentiments of the nation.
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