Will forever remember that image of Monty in the snowstorm - I was travelling to the game from Stockport - no snow when I left but could not get through Birmingham, managed to turn round at J10 of the M6 before the M6 became a snowy car park! Still no snow in Greater Manchester when I got home
This brings back memories of getting stuck in a snow drift on my way to the game. The relief, having struggled back home, to find out the game was postponed still so vivid.
If anyone is interested here is what I wrote for the club website, sorry it’s a long read but don’t know how to post a link.
The news that John Motson has passed away hit me like a sledgehammer. Not just because we shared the same profession, not just because we were once colleagues at BBC Sport, not just because we played in the same football team, but because we were great friends for over fifty years.
I first met Motty after replacing him at BBC Radio when he moved to Match of the Day in 1971 and he couldn't have been more helpful in ensuring that I settled in to my new career.
He was an inspiration and taught me the importance of preparing thoroughly for every commentary and for treating people in the game with respect.
We got to know each other well by playing for the Commentators X1, a charity football team that played games all over the country.
On the field he was the opposite of me, Motty a cultured left winger who steered clear of trouble, me a rough house right back who loved a sliding tackle and a row with the referee.
It was in the bar after the game where we really bonded through our love of a beer or three and a good laugh. He was a very sociable guy and in later years we often put the world to rights over a meal and a bottle of wine.
I last saw him in December at our Commentators X1 annual Christmas dinner and he was as chirpy as ever, making the shock news of his death even harder to take.
Before that I had chatted to him when Wycombe figured in the playoff semi final at MK Dons where he was a regular being close to where he lived.
He would always be interested in what was going on at Wycombe whenever we met and I'm sure everyone remembers that iconic photo of Motty in his famous sheepskin coat at a snow covered Adams Park.
We have lost a master of his trade, a non viveur who would be the centre of attention in any room he entered, an amusing and entertaining character.
But most of all I have lost a great friend.
RIP Motty, I'll see you one day in that great bar in the sky and it's your round.
The very recent passing of @ValleyWanderer & now Motty tempers the parting of GA & Dobbo a bit. A terrible loss to football, Monty was simply one of the best in my memory.
Comments
So sad, he was the voice of football when I was growing up.
Such sad news
Will forever remember that image of Monty in the snowstorm - I was travelling to the game from Stockport - no snow when I left but could not get through Birmingham, managed to turn round at J10 of the M6 before the M6 became a snowy car park! Still no snow in Greater Manchester when I got home
RIP Motty
This brings back memories of getting stuck in a snow drift on my way to the game. The relief, having struggled back home, to find out the game was postponed still so vivid.
77 is far too young to pass.
RIP Motty
Sad news indeed, another sports broadcasting giant from my youth gone too soon. RIP Motty.
I’m doing this far too often RIP Motty
Motty enhanced every game you watched on the box. Very sad day, a wonderful commentator.
I saw Motty play alongside our own Mr Parry in a broadcastlers XI at Loakes Park in the early 80's.
RIP Motty
A fantastic football man through and through and we will never forget his brilliant commentary and that iconic picture in the snow.
RIP Motty
If anyone is interested here is what I wrote for the club website, sorry it’s a long read but don’t know how to post a link.
The news that John Motson has passed away hit me like a sledgehammer. Not just because we shared the same profession, not just because we were once colleagues at BBC Sport, not just because we played in the same football team, but because we were great friends for over fifty years.
I first met Motty after replacing him at BBC Radio when he moved to Match of the Day in 1971 and he couldn't have been more helpful in ensuring that I settled in to my new career.
He was an inspiration and taught me the importance of preparing thoroughly for every commentary and for treating people in the game with respect.
We got to know each other well by playing for the Commentators X1, a charity football team that played games all over the country.
On the field he was the opposite of me, Motty a cultured left winger who steered clear of trouble, me a rough house right back who loved a sliding tackle and a row with the referee.
It was in the bar after the game where we really bonded through our love of a beer or three and a good laugh. He was a very sociable guy and in later years we often put the world to rights over a meal and a bottle of wine.
I last saw him in December at our Commentators X1 annual Christmas dinner and he was as chirpy as ever, making the shock news of his death even harder to take.
Before that I had chatted to him when Wycombe figured in the playoff semi final at MK Dons where he was a regular being close to where he lived.
He would always be interested in what was going on at Wycombe whenever we met and I'm sure everyone remembers that iconic photo of Motty in his famous sheepskin coat at a snow covered Adams Park.
We have lost a master of his trade, a non viveur who would be the centre of attention in any room he entered, an amusing and entertaining character.
But most of all I have lost a great friend.
RIP Motty, I'll see you one day in that great bar in the sky and it's your round.
Nice piece @glasshalffull , and sorry for your loss.
Lovely tribute, sir
RIP Motty, another legend lost. Who hasn't seen that photo, seems like only yesterday
Really lovely @glasshalfempty
@glasshalffull -sorry
@glasshalffull
The very recent passing of @ValleyWanderer & now Motty tempers the parting of GA & Dobbo a bit. A terrible loss to football, Monty was simply one of the best in my memory.
A worthy tribute @glasshalffull. Motty was, and remains, part of football fabric for me. 😥
Hanging on my wall. A great commentator.
I spoke with Stuart Roy Clarke earlier about how this iconic photo came about:
https://twitter.com/wwfcofficial/status/1628779318569754624?s=46&t=TPmHRNCsEXHvIz8XXAwoEg
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/16039736
’Shut up and show more football.’
Brilliant!