John Motson dies aged 77 – as sport mourns legend who covered over 2,000 games

Legendary commentator John Motson – who made wearing a sheepskin coat his trademark – has died aged 77, it has been announced.

Motson was synonymous with the BBC – where he commentated on over 2,000 games on television and radio.

His stunning reel of work included 29 FA Cup finals, 10 World Cups and 10 European Championships.

Motson was married to wife Anne – with the pair having tied the knot in 1977. They have one son together called Fred, who was born in 1986. 

Born in Salford, Motson – the son of a Methodist minister – had stints as a reporter on the Barnet Press and Sheffield Morning Telegraph at the start of his career.

‘Motty’ as he was affectionally known, joined the BBC on a full-time basis as a sports presenter on Radio 2 in 1968 – having been at BBC Radio Sheffield beforehand.

In 1971 he joined their Match of the Day content and became a regular commentator during the 1971-72 season – with his first match being a 0-0 stalemate between Liverpool and Chelsea.

An iconic moment in his career came that season when he covered the memorable FA Cup replay between Hereford United and Newcastle United.

Non-league Hereford won 2-1 with Ronnie Radford scoring a winner that remains in folklore.

‘Oh what a goal!’ Motson enthused.

‘Radford the scorer. Ronnie Radford! And the crowd are on the pitch. What a tremendous shot by Ronnie Radford.’