Legendary football commentator John Motson dies age 77

Legendary football commentator John Motson has died at the age of 77.

The Salford-born broadcaster spent more than 50 years presiding over some of the biggest matches in the game’s history while at the helm of the BBC’s coverage until his retirement in 2018.

His career spanned ten World Cups, ten European Championships and 29 FA Cup finals, providing viewers with some of the most iconic lines in commentary.

He made his breakthrough after his description of Ronnie Radford’s 30-yard screamer for Hereford in their shock FA Cup win over Newcastle United in 1972 saw the match promoted to the lead item on Match of the Day.

He would work on the programme for 36 years between 1971 and 2008 having initially joined the corporation on a full-time basis in 1968.

Motson later became famous for his sheepskin coat and took the lead on BBC commentary for six World Cup finals, signing off after Italy’s victory over France in 2006.

His long career also took in two Olympic Games and he was awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting in 2001.

His final game for Match of the Day was a 2-0 win for Crystal Palace over West Bromwich Albion in 2018.