Gary Lineker, the previous England captain and Match of the Day host since 1999, mentioned that he was “deeply saddened” by the information. “A fairly good commentator and the voice of soccer on this nation for generations – he’ll be very a lot missed. RIP Motty,” mentioned Lineker.
Veteran soccer commentator Alan Parry advised Sky Sports activities Information: “I’ve recognized Motty for over 50 years, so this information has hit me like a sledgehammer.
“We have been nice buddies and he was an incredible inspiration to me. He taught me the significance of getting ready correctly for each single commentary, as if you have been a participant, coach or supervisor, and treating the entire recreation with respect. What a profession he had.
“He was a grasp of his commerce however an important factor for me was he was an incredible good friend, and I’m going to overlook him.
Fellow commentator Clive Tyldesley wrote on Twitter: “As an adolescent I simply needed to be John Motson. No one else.”
Former Liverpool captain and Telegraph columnist Jamie Carragher mentioned that Motson was “an absolute legend of the sport” and recalled rising up listening to his phrases.
David Baddiel, the host of Fantasy Soccer League on which Motson was a visitor, mentioned that the information felt “unattainable”, including that Motson was “a voice that, at one time, was soccer”.
Sky Sports activities commentator Martin Tyler mentioned he was the standard-bearer for those who adopted. “John was the standard-setter for us all,” Tyler mentioned. “We principally all seemed as much as him – his diligence, his dedication, his data. He was a really critical broadcaster however he was an actual enjoyable man to be round.”
The son of a Methodist minister, Motson started his profession by working as a reporter on the Barnet Press and Sheffield Morning Telegraph earlier than freelancing for BBC Radio Sheffield after which becoming a member of the company full-time on the age of 23 in 1968.
