John Motson: legendary football commentator dies aged 77 - ‘ a voice that, at one time, was football’

John Motson, one of the most recognisable voices in football, has died at the age of 77, the BBC has confirmed. Motson was well known for his exuberant commentary for the broadcaster spanning over 50 years and became a popular figure with footballers and football fans alike.

"It is with great sadness we announce that John Motson OBE died peacefully in his sleep today (Thursday)," said a statement from Motson’s family.

Having made his start with the BBC’s flagship football programme Match of the Day in 1971, ‘Motty’ as he was known to fans originally started as a football reporter for local newspapers the Barnet Press and Sheffield Morning Telegraph, before parlaying his football expertise to BBC Radio Sheffield on a freelance basis before joining the broadcaster full-time from 1968.

He became a household name after an FA Cup replay between Hereford and Newcastle in 1972,  where Hereford’s shock 2-1 win - featuring Ronnie Radford’s famous 30-yard strike - saw the match promoted to the main game on the show rather than a five minute segment, with Motson capturing all the drama.

His run with the BBC included covering an unprecedented six World Cups and 29 FA Cups, before calling time on his commentary career undertaking commentary duties for Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion in 2018.

He was invited on to the pitch after full-time and applauded by the fans before Palace manager Roy Hodgson presented him with a framed copy of the programme from his first and last matches at Selhurst Park and a crystal microphone.

Tributes to the commentator have already started pouring in on social media, with comedian and former Fantasy Football League presenter David Baddiel saying “John Motson. Oy. Feels impossible: a voice that, at one time, was football. RIP." Motson’s voice was used by Baddiel and Skinner for the 1996 hit “Three Lions,” which has become an anthem for the English football team at tournaments ever since.

Match of the Day's Gary Linekar added: "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."

Leicester City manager Brendan Rogers also used his pre-game conference to pay tribute to Motson, telling reporters "I think we all grew up with him. When I first moved into management, he was very supportive and I was always grateful for that. His knowledge of football was incredible. It’s so sad."