adminJOHN Motson, the voice of English football who had an illustrious 50-year career with the BBC, has died aged 77.
He covered 10 World Cups, 10 European Championships and 29 FA Cup finals for BBC Sport before retiring from the organisation in 2018.
Popularly known as ‘Motty’, he had worked on Match of the Day since 1971.
In terms of Zimbabwe football, Motson was like Charles “CNN” Mabika, the game’s voice and ultimate encyclopedia.
“It is with great sadness that we announce that John Motson OBE died peacefully in his sleep today,” said a statement from Motson’s family yesterday.
He is survived by his wife Anne and son Frederick.
“John Motson was the voice of a footballing generation – steering us through the twists and turns of FA Cup runs, the highs and lows of World Cups and, of course, Saturday nights on Match of the Day,” said BBC director-general Tim Davie.
“Like all the greats behind the mic, John had the right words, at the right time, for all the big moments.”
The English Football League described Motson as “a defining and legendary voice of English football”.
It awarded him the Contribution to League Football Award in 2018 in an annual honour given to an individual who has given a lifetime’s service to the professional game on and off the pitch.
The Football Supporters’ Association said:
“John was awarded a lifetime achievement award by supporters at our awards ceremony back in 2017 – John was a gent that night and it was a pleasure to have him along.”
Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler told BBC Radio 5 Live: “John was the standard-setter for us all. 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.
“I went on a few football tours with him. We all had to stand up and speak and when Motty spoke we knew we were in for a good time – he had a great sense of humour.” – BBC/Sports Reporter
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter