JOHN MOTSON
will end his 50-year association with the BBC at the end of the season.
The legendary football commentator, right, will call time on his BBC career and then weigh up his options.
“I just thought my 50th year in the BBC is 2018 and it has to end some time and that would be a good note to go out on,” he said.
VETERAN football commentator John Motson is hanging up his microphone after 50 years at the BBC, it was revealed last night.
Motson, 72, has covered 10 World Cups, 29 FA Cup finals and more than 200 England games.
Famed for his chunky sheepskin coats and distinctive voice, he insists it is not time for “pipe and slippers” just yet and hopes to carry on with other work. He said: “I don’t want to lose my connection with TV, football and broadcasting.
“I am hoping to do a few engagements like afterdinner speaking. And I am writing a book about previous World Cups.”
Motty will now embark on his farewell tour, commentating on 18 games over the course of this Premier League season before a last appearance during the FA Cup final programme.
The decision comes as Motson returns to Match Of The Day this Saturday, commentating on the Brighton versus West Bromwich Albion match.
After starting out as a sports reporter on Radio 2 in 1968, Motson made his first major breakthrough on Match Of The Day during the famous FA Cup tie between Hereford and Newcastle United four years later.
Originally billed as a fiveminute segment, Hereford’s shock 2-1 win – thanks in part to Ronnie Radford’s 30-yard strike – saw the match promoted to the main game, with Motson’s memorable commentary putting him on the map.
Barbara Slater, BBC director of sport, said: “John Motson is a real asset to the football world and he will be sorely missed.” Keen runner Motson received an OBE in 2001. That year, he was also crowned Britain’s favourite commentator in a BBC sport poll.
He and his wife Anne have one son, Fred, who is a law lecturer.
The couple now plan to have more outings to the theatre and cinema and “a little more time” for their love of horse racing.