What You Should Know about John Motson- Motty Football Commentator

John Motson, commonly known as "Motty", is a football commentator who is revered as one of the greatest commentators in the history of British broadcasting. For nearly 50 years, Motson’s distinctive voice and encyclopedic knowledge of the game have been synonymous with football, and his contributions to the sport have been celebrated by fans and professionals alike.

Motson was born on July 10, 1945, in Salford, Lancashire, England. After graduating from University College, Bristol, he began his career in journalism, working for the Barnet Press and then the Evening Standard. However, it was his passion for football that led him to pursue a career in broadcasting. In 1969, he joined the BBC as a sports commentator and began his long and illustrious career in broadcasting.

Motson’s style of commentary was unique and instantly recognizable. His voice was distinctive, with a high-pitched tone and an enthusiastic delivery that was infectious for fans. He was also known for his encyclopedic knowledge of the game, and his ability to recall obscure details and statistics about players, teams, and matches was legendary.

Motson covered many major football events during his career, including 10 World Cups, 29 FA Cup finals, and over 200 England matches. He also provided commentary for countless club matches, including those featuring some of the biggest clubs in Europe, such as Manchester United, Liverpool, and Real Madrid.

One of the most memorable moments in Motson’s career came in 1989, during the final match of the English Football League First Division season between Liverpool and Arsenal. The match, which was played at Anfield, was the decider for the league title. Arsenal needed to win by two goals to claim the title, while a draw or a win for Liverpool would see them crowned champions.

The match was a tense affair, with Liverpool leading 1-0 at halftime. However, in the second half, Arsenal staged a remarkable comeback, scoring two goals in quick succession to take the lead. With just minutes remaining, Liverpool pushed forward in search of an equalizer, and in the dying seconds of the match, they won a corner.

Motson’s commentary during these final moments of the match is now legendary. As Liverpool took the corner, he exclaimed: "It's a goal! An unbelievable goal! And John Barnes has scored it!" However, as the ball was cleared, he corrected himself: "No, it's not Barnes, it's Aldridge!" The goal, which was scored by Liverpool striker John Aldridge, secured the 1-1 draw that Liverpool needed to win the league title.

Motson’s passion for football was evident in his commentary, and his ability to capture the drama and excitement of a match was second to none. He was also known for his ability to connect with viewers and to make them feel a part of the action.

Motson’s contributions to football were recognized in 2001, when he was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his services to sports broadcasting. In 2018, after nearly 50 years in broadcasting, he retired from commentary, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport that he loved.

Motson’s influence on football and football broadcasting cannot be overstated. His distinctive voice and encyclopedic knowledge of the game helped to popularize the sport and bring it to a wider audience. He was a true ambassador for football, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered for generations to come

John Motson Passed Away at the age of 77.