JohnMOTSON (OBE)Legendary commentator John Motson has sadly passed away aged 77.
Born in Salford, Lancashire, the popular broadcaster was a familiar voice over a 50-year career with the BBC after he was hired as a sports presenter for Radio 2 back in 1968. His work in the field eventually earned him an OBE in 2001 for services to sports broadcasting.
A statement from the BBC confirming his death said: "Motson covered 10 World Cups, 10 European Championships and 29 FA Cup finals for BBC Sport before retiring from the organisation in 2018.
"Popularly known as 'Motty', he had worked on Match of the Day since 1971 and commentated on almost 2,500 televised games."
Renowned for his sheepskin coat, Motson started out as a newspaper reporter at the Barnet Press and at the Sheffield Morning Telegraph. It was whilst working in Sheffield that he got his first taste of work behind the microphone.
His big breakthrough came in 1972 when Hereford United produced a miraculous FA Cup upset against Newcastle in a third round replay which was bumped up to the prime slot on Match of the Day - a game remembered for his iconic commentary on Ronnie Radford's goal.
Motson was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2001 Birthday Honours for services to sports broadcasting.
Our thoughts are with John's family, friends, fans and the football community.
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