The footballing world has come together to pay tribute to legendary Salford-born commentator John Motson who died today aged 77.
Motson, known affectionately as ‘Motty’, commentated on more than 2,000 games in a career that spanned decades.
Famous footballing names from across the nation have taken to social media to pay their respects to the voice that accompanied their joys and sorrows throughout the years.
Ex-footballer turned pundit Jamie Carragher wrote: “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 fellow commentator Clive Tydelsey tweeted: “As a teenager I just wanted to be John Motson. Nobody else. Terribly sad.”
Football clubs from across the country paid their tributes too.
Salford City wrote: “Born in Salford and went on to be a voice of a generation. We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John Motson. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends. Rest in peace, John.”
Born in Salford and went on to be a voice of a generation.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John Motson, our thoughts go out to his family and friends.
Rest in peace, John ❤️ pic.twitter.com/h72hnld2ZZ
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) February 23, 2023
Motson, the son of a Methodist minister who was born in Salford in 1945, began his career in Chipping Barnet, London, where he was a news reporter.
It wasn’t until 1967 that he first covered football, working for the Sheffield Morning Telegraph.
It was his voice that made Motty famous, commentating his first match, Everton v Derby, on the radio for the BBC in December 1969.
He was propelled further into the limelight when commentating on the notorious Ronnie Radford goal in 1972 that saw Hereford United knock out Newcastle United in one of the FA Cup’s greatest giant killings.
From here Motson became a household name, commentating on every FA Cup final the BBC covered from 1979-2008, except two.
Some of Motty’s most memorable moments include the aforementioned Ronnie Radford belter, standing out in a blizzard during Wycombe’s FA Cup tie against Peterborough and countless international and domestic cup finals.
Iconic quotes from the ‘voice of football’ include “The Crazy Gang has beaten the Culture Club”, during AFC Wimbledon’s unexpected win over Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final.
“Here’s Gascoigne. Oh brilliant! Oh yes! Oh yes!”, in England’s Euro ’96 triumph over Scotland.
And of course “Hold the cups and glasses at home. You can smash them now! David Beckham has scored for England!”, when Beckham got his World Cup revenge over Argentina.
A voice that meant so much to so many, John Motson’s will be missed by all those who knew him and loved football.
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