Product Description

For millions in Britain, John Motson or 'Motty' is the voice of football. In a career spanning over forty years and 2,000 matches, including commentating on fifty major finals, he has had an unparalleled insight into the ups and downs of the national game. From reporting on the exploits of the giant-killing Hereford team in the 1972 FA Cup that made his name on Match of the Day to the estimated twenty-million viewers who tuned in to his commentary on England's match with Portugal at the 2006 World Cup, Motson's time in the commentary box has delivered some unforgettable anecdotes. In "Motty", he writes about how his father instilled in him an early passion for football, his formative BBC years, the friendly rivalry between him and other talent, and the football legends he has met along the way, such as the icons Alf Ramsey, Brian Clough and Alex Ferguson. He also reflects on darker times such as hooliganism and Hillsborough, where Motson found himself commentating on a tragedy rather than a football match. In dozens of fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, we hear about the greatest players and matches he has been privileged to watch, the many England managers he has worked with, including who he thinks is the most successful, and his take on the huge changes that have transformed football in recent years. From Ronnie Radford to Wayne Rooney, Motty's knowledge and passion for football are unrivalled as he shares his story for the first time and guides us through his career with insight, humour and honesty.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #402 in Books
• Published on: 2009-09-03
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 416 pages

Review
'John Motson has for many years been the undisputed true voice of English football.' --Sir Bobby Robson

'Motty is, in the words of the old cliché, a legend in his own lifetime. He has brought knowledge of and passion for football direct into the homes of millions - he is a national institution, recognised and loved. He is also a thoroughly decent bloke.' --Tony Blair

'There is no doubting Motty is a footie hero ... this will be an ideal stocking-filler for dads at Christmas.' --News of the World

'Like Cheryl Cole and Lincolnshire sausages, John Motson is a national treasure to be cherished. From his verbal scraps with Brian Clough to the traumatic Hillsborough tragedy, his autobiography reveals the man behind the microphone.' --Sport Magazine

'John Motson is an institution and his commentaries on Match of the Day are part of the fabric of football. The BBC legend has been behind the microphone for 40 years, covering just about every big match going.'
--Metro

'Bright and breezy ... it reflects on a lifetime watching football matches big and small and of bumping into all the heroes of the game' --Sunday Express

'Motty's knowledge and passion for football are unrivalled as he shares his story for the first time with humour and honesty'
--Oxford Times

'Filled with a multitude of detail about Motson's background and the sporting times he lived through ... Motson is one of the most intelligent and accomplished commentators in history, a voice that has conveyed the best (and worst, depending on your allegiance) moments in the recent past of the game. His book offers a fascinating look at what goes on behind the scenes of football broadcasting, as well as a trip down memory lane for many supporters. A must-read for any football fan.'
--Sunday Business Post

About the Author
John Motson is the nation's best-known football commentator. The son of a Methodist minister, he became a junior member of the Match of the Day staff in 1971 and soon became one of its key commentators. Since 1979, he has been the BBC's main TV commentator for major cup finals. He retired from commentating on internationals after the Euro 2008 final, but continues to work for Match of the Day and BBC Radio 5 Live. In 2001 he received an OBE for services to sports broadcasting.

Customer Reviews

EVERYTHING PLUS A SHEEPSKIN COAT !
Just the read to bring to bed on a cold winter night with "Motty" whispering his dulcet tones in your ear and telling you tales from "AUNTIE'S BOUDOIR"

Finally, a Biography Worth Reading
It's a refreshing change to find not only a biography of someone who is firstly, an expert in their field; secondly, has a long career at the top of their profession and, most importantly, can actually write. That John Motson started work in print journalism has stood him in good stead here. Motty is a highly entertaining mixture of nostalgia, insight and comment on the modern game. Unlike other reviewers, I didn't find the statistics at the end boring, but a memory-jogger of games I had been at or remember from Match of the Days past. This will be dipped into long after ghost-written hagiographies of today's cosseted players have been consigned to the charity shop.

The voice of Football tells all
Motty is a legend in our house and his autobiography is a cracking read - from that goal by Ricky Villa in the 1981 FA Cup final to his legendary bon MOTS - 'for those watching in black and white, Spurs are playing in yellow'!, I really enjoyed Motty taking me on a trip down memory lane and his take on some of the greatest matches of the last 30 years. He knows his football, this man.