Brighton's chief executive pays tribute to John Motson

The legendary football commentator has died, aged 77

Author: Ryan BurrowsPublished 23rd Feb 2023

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber has joined those paying tribute to the legendary football commentator John Motson, who has died at the age of 77.

Known affectionately as Motty, he servced as the BBC's main voice of football, commentating on ten World Cup and ten European Championship finals over a career spanning five decades.

Motson also commentated on 29 FA Cup finals, including two involving Brighton in 1983, when they drew 0-0 with Manchester United at Wembley before losing the replay 4-0.

'Motty' was also in the commentary booth when Brighton scored their first goal in the Premier League, against West Bromwich Albion at the Amex in August 2017. The Seagulls won the game 3-1.

Paul Barber said, "Everyone at our club is deeply saddened by news of John Motson’s passing.

"John was a hugely knowledgeable and popular figure in football, and one of the game’s finest commentators and reporters. Our thoughts and best wishes are with John’s family and friends at this very sad time.

"On a personal level, I knew John for close to 30 years. When I first worked in football John was kind and generous with his time, and I always enjoyed bumping into him at matches up and down the country.

"It was entirely fitting that John commentated on our first ever goal in the Premier League. John will be very sadly missed by everyone in football."

After starting as a newspaper reporter in Barnet and at the Sheffield Morning Telegraph, Motson joined the BBC in 1968 as a sports presenter on Radio 2.

Motson's commentary on Ronnie Radford's famous long-range strike which helped non-league Hereford knock top-flight Newcastle out of the FA Cup in 1972 saw him take top billing on Match of the Day - pushing him into the spotlight and the affections of the sporting public.

His long career also took in two Olympic Games and Wimbledon's memorable 1988 FA Cup final triumph against Liverpool at Wembley as the Crazy Gang beat the Culture Club.

Awarded the OBE in 2001 for services to broadcasting, Motson hung up his microphone for the BBC at the end of the 2017-18 Premier League season.

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