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Motty – The Man Behind the Sheepskin

A chance to look back on John Motson’s incredible 50 years in broadcasting in the wake of the legendary Ö÷²¥´óÐã football commentator’s passing.

A chance to look back on John Motson’s incredible 50 years in broadcasting in the wake of the legendary Ö÷²¥´óÐã football commentator’s passing. This special documentary charts his poignant but fun-filled journey around the football grounds that have provided the backdrop for so many remarkable commentaries and football stories from this unique broadcaster, famed for his love of a sheepskin coat.

Along the way, the film features the key characters that have played starring roles in those famous Motty commentaries – starting with Hereford legend Ricky George. The programme relives some of Motson's immortal commentary lines, with the stories behind them, from ‘The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club’ at the 1988 FA Cup final to ‘things are getting better and better’ when England won 5-1 in Germany.

What has been the secret to the success of the man found to have the perfect commentary voice? Famed for his love of statistics, he is a wonderful orator and a much-loved friend to many. With unique access to Motty’s farewell tour, the programme also hears from those closest to him, including his beloved wife Annie and son Freddie, football legends Gary Lineker and Ian Wright, his two co-commentators Sir Trevor Brooking and Mark Lawrenson, and celebrity football fans Noel Gallagher, Sir Elton John and Sir Rod Stewart.

1 hour, 5 minutes

Last on

Sun 26 Feb 2023 23:10

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:01

    Bruce Hornsby & the Range

    The Way It Is

  • 00:08

    Paul Simon

    Graceland

  • 00:11

    Don McLean

    American Pie

  • 00:15

    The Shadows

    Quatermaster's Stores

  • 00:46

    Stateless

    Bloodstream (Quartet Session)

  • 00:51

    Deco Child

    An Exit 

  • 01:01

    Badly Drawn Boy

    I Love N.Y.E.

  • 01:04

    Badly Drawn Boy

    Silent Sigh

Credits

Role Contributor
Producer Josephine McCusker
Executive Producer Carl Doran

Broadcasts