It was an evening that I will never forget, I was
asked by Buxton Opera House to compere 'An Audience with John Motson'
the legendary football commentator and broadcaster.
John Motson is a footballing institution known
worldwide as the voice of football. His voice synonymous with the BBC and most
notably Match of the Day for over 40 years.
His devotion to his profession has seen him
travel the world covering 6 World Cup tournaments and an incredible 29 F.A cup
finals.
It was an honour to introduce this man in front
of 150 guests packed into the small opera house as part of his small tour of
England talking about his career memories. I was asked to compare the event
with my 12 year experience as a football commentator for the Soccer Sightproject for blind and
partially sighted football fans at Stoke City F.C home matches.
Quite simply the man is fascinating, he has his
critics, mainly from purists who feel his best years are behind him and should
only be spoken about in nostalgic stories in the pub. This is far from the truth
as we shared a drink funnily enough in the house bar (pint of beer for me and
glass of red wine for him) as there is still a great need for characters within
the game. The stars on the pitch are often given the limelight but it is very
rare that a lowly commentator, a voice we only use as a tool to find out the
score is more famous and long lasting than many a footballer will be.
John Motson evokes memories of years gone by when
the game was not driven by money, greed and Monday
Night Football for the benefit of the mega rich SKY Corporation but a time
when Bovril warmed the numb limbs of a fella watching the game in the freezing
winter weather.
John spoke fondly of the great Brian Clough after
his Nottingham Forest had won the European Cup (Modern Champions League) by
offering him a whiskey soaked cup of steaming coffee after a night game. He
spoke about the running battle for top spot on BBC sport with his long time
sporting adversary and commentating sparring partner Barry Davies. His stories
of England’s 5-1 win over Germany at the Olympic Stadium in Munich etching his famous line 'Ohhh this is
getting better and better and better, one- two- three for Michael Owen’, into
our memories.
This man for me is a broadcasting inspiration and
whilst enjoying the pre event 'livener' a young man from the audience came over
to us asking John for his autograph and some advice on how to get into the
industry. He replied with some honest, old fashioned and very accurate advice
'Just keep knocking on doors son'.
An Audience with John Motson was a special night
for me and fans attending enjoyed a Q&A opportunity where I conducted a
lively audience packed with intriguing questions that ended with calls not to
retire any time soon.
He hasn't retired, just slowed down but every so
often you will hear his iconic voice on Match
of the Day as I did for Arsenals 1-3 win at West Ham last night!
Motty we salute you..
