Legendary BBC commentator John Motson has died aged 77.

His family announced his death this morning in a statement: ”It is with great sadness we announce that John Motson OBE died peacefully in his sleep today.”

Motson watched his first professional football at Portman Road in the early sixties while a boarder at Culford School in West Suffolk.

A Match of the Day stalwart from 1971 until his retirement in 2018, Motson was a familiar figure at Town during the glory days under Sir Bobby Robson and wrote a regular column in the club programme during the mid-seventies.

Motson, who for many years had a holiday home in Tunstall, played in a testimonial for Blues scout Ron Gray in Felixstowe in 1978/79, lining-up for a commentators XI, and in 2003 revealed he had bought shares in the club following the Blues’ period of administration.

“It isn't a speculative decision, I am not expecting to make a profit,” he said. “I think Gary Lineker said when he helped to rescue Leicester on a much wider scale. He said it's not so much an investment, it's a donation and that's really the way that I see it.

“It's a time when people who like the club can pull together and make a small contribution to make sure that what happened last year doesn't happen again.”

Motson, who attended the club’s Ex-Players’ Dinner in 2012, covered 10 World Cups, 10 European Championships and 29 FA Cup finals for the BBC. He is survived by his wife Anne and son Freddie.

Photo: Action Images

Paulc added 12:17 - Feb 23 Very sad news. Grew up with his commentary and I do believe no one has bettered him since he retired. The Ipswich Town Match of the Day video made in the early 90s, narrated by John is a thing of beauty! RIP Motty
8

MickMillsTash added 12:31 - Feb 23 Playing football in the back garden, commentating on the action , annoying All the neighbours, I was Glenn Hoddle and John Motson. 'Match of the Day' in my subbuteo league - always Motty. I Still say 'and Still Ricky Villa' during old men 5 a side RIP
4

Bazza8564 added 12:32 - Feb 23 Simply the best of his era, a sad loss for football and for ITFC, he was a Culford Schoolboy and always had us in his hearts. I hope the club will respect him by wearing black armbands saturday too
7

itfchorry added 13:04 - Feb 23 Very proud to have met him on a number of occasions - Always had time for an Ipswich Fan. Thoughts with his family
4

Foreverdon_Blue added 13:22 - Feb 23 I started watching football and sport in general in 1976, so this is a sad week where we have lost both Dickie Davies and John Motson. RIP both of them.
5

runaround added 13:29 - Feb 23 RIP John. A real legend in terms of football commentary
4

TimmyH added 14:13 - Feb 23 Will miss Motty and his sheepskin coat...one of a kind! RIP John.
3

ButchersBrokenNose added 14:32 - Feb 23 They don't make 'em like him anymore. Rest easy, Motty.
2

runningout added 14:59 - Feb 23 Sad day for football
2

jacobnikons added 15:01 - Feb 23 The KIng of Commentary. He had a holiday home in Tunstall near Woodbridge for many years. RIP Motty.
0

Tractorboy1985 added 17:17 - Feb 23 A sad day for football.. Motty and Barry Davies were what I was brought up with! A superb voice and analysis by 1 commentator not needing a Gary Neville/ Jamie Carragher or dare I say Andy Hinchcliffe or Don Goodman to ruin the game! Always a soft spot for Town implemented by his donation to town in sorry times! RIP Motty!
4

SickParrot added 19:47 - Feb 23 Motty was simply the best. A true gentleman who had an almost encyclopedic knowledge of football and an infectious love of the game. He always managed to find the perfect words to fit the big moments and inject a little gentle humour along the way. Thank you Motty for enhancing my enjoyment of football for so many years. RIP.
1

DaGremloid added 21:48 - Feb 23 The older one gets the more legends from childhood we lose. Sad, but great, great memories of a national treasure.
2

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls