For the latest from the pitch sign up for our football newsletter
For the latest from the pitch sign up for our football newsletter
We have more newsletters
John Motson was the gift that never stopped giving in British football – and he was similarly generous in death, too.
Fans were deeply saddened at the famed commentator's death in February 2023, leaving an unparalleled legacy in his industry. And it's emerged the Match of the Day icon also bequeathed just shy of half a million pounds to his family.
The Sun reported Motson – who was 77 when he died – left "more than £488,000" to loved ones as part of an eight-page will he created in 2005. And it's understood the money went to widow Anne, son Frederick and sister-in-law Susan Fielding.
READ MORE: Joey Barton says 'I'm no sexist' as he rants about female pundits and calls England boss 'Sandra'
READ MORE: Man Utd fan leaves message for Sir Jim Ratcliffe on giant billboard with his face on
'Motty' left a substantial imprint on the football world over a career spanning almost 60 years. The former wordsmith first worked as a reporter during the 1960s, during which time he developed an affinity for Barnet while covering their matches.
He first joined the BBC in 1968 and initially worked for Radio 2, voicing his first live commentary the following year. It would prove to be just the beginning of arguably the most credible career in his field to date, going on to call 10 World Cups, just as many European Championships, 29 FA Cup finals, and more than 200 England games.
Motson was widely known for his work covering Premier League matters and became best-known for his iconic sheepskin coat. But it was his recognisable tones that made Motson a star in his own right.
The late legend was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014 and wound down his BBC contributions in the years that followed. Motson led his final BBC commentary in 2018 after announcing his retirement, only to return to work for talkSPORT months later.
Former Match of the Day colleague Gary Lineker won't have been alone when he described Motson as "the voice of football in this country for generations" following news of his death. And after more than 2,000 games in the commentary booth, fans are fortunate to have been left a catalogue of highlights that will live on for years to come.
- Premier League
- BBC
- World Cup
- Barnet FC
- England Football Team
Source: Read Full Article