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…
- Kealan Hughes
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!"
- Kealan Hughes
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."
- Kealan Hughes
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!
- Kealan Hughes
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."
- Kealan Hughes
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."
- Kealan Hughes
- Kealan Hughes
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.
- Kealan Hughes
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.
- Kealan Hughes
Lineker leads tributes paid
The likes of Gary Lineker, Chris Sutton, and Tony Cottee have all honoured the late Motson, describing him as a "legendary figure".
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."
Sutton said: "Really sad news to hear of the passing of John Motson. He was a legendary figure in the commentary box and will be sorely missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
Cottee wrote: "Really sad to see that John Motson has passed away. John loved his stats and did my famous scrapbook interview with me in 1985. A lovely man and an icon to the sport, RIP John."
- Kealan Hughes
Family man
The iconic commentator leaves behind his wife Anne who he married in 1977.
The couple had one child together – Frederick, 36.
Motson married Anne in 1977Credit: Rex - Kealan Hughes
The man for the big occasion
Motson covered 10 World Cups, 10 European Championships and 29 FA Cup finals for BBC Sport.
And he received an OBE for services to sports broadcasting in 2001.
He made his breakthrough on Match of the Day during the famous FA Cup replay between Hereford and Newcastle in 1972, featuring Ronnie Radford's famous 30-yard strike.
Between 1979 and 2008 Motyn was the BBC's voice on major finals such as the FA Cup, European Championships and World Cup.
That run included his record-breaking sixth World Cup final in Berlin in 2006 and his 29th FA Cup final in 2008.
- Kealan Hughes
50 year career
Motson was born in Salford and began his journalist career in Barnet – the team he supports.
He worked as a reporter between 1963 and 1967 before being hired for BBC Radio 2.
His first radio commentary was an Everton v Derby clash in December 1969.
Three years later, Motson became a household name thanks to his work on Match of the Day.
He bowed out after 50 years on the final day of the 2017/18 season and won a Bafta that year.
Motty received an OBE for services to broadcastingCredit: PA:Press Association - Kealan Hughes
Tributes pour in
Football figures including Jamie Carragher and Jim White have honoured Motson with glowing words in reaction to his passing.
Carragher said: "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."
White wrote: "Sad news, legendary football commentator John Motson has died. He was 77."
John Motson was famed for his sheepskin coatsCredit: PA:Press Association - Kealan Hughes
Rest in peace Motty
Legendary football commentator John Motson has died aged 77.
The BBC pundit celebrated 50 years in the job in 2018 before hanging up his mic in May that year.
In 2014, he was diagnosed with bowel cancer and forced to miss the World Cup in Brazil.
Motson – known as the voice of football – was famed for his signature sheepskin coat.
During his career, the commentator covered ten World Cups, ten European Championships, 29 FA Cup finals and more than 200 England games.
Tributes have poured in for the iconic figure, who became a household name after featuring regularly on Match of the Day.
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