Remembering John Motson’s iconic Bristol City commentary after death, aged 77

John Motson, a unique voice heard mainly on BBC’s Match of the Day, has passed away at the age of 77.

Before his retirement in 2018, Motson was one of the lead commentators for the BBC and led their coverage on MOTD, as well as several tournaments such as the EUROs and the World Cup.

In total, he covered 10 World Cups, and 10 European Championships, whilst also being the voice for a grand total of 29 FA Cup finals. He donned the nickname Motty and had worked on Match of the Day for 47 years, earning an OBE in 2001.

A particular moment that might stand out to the older generation of supporters of Bristol City is when they beat Leicester City in the FA Cup, which can be watched here. Motson was on hand to provide commentary that day, and delivered a superb line of commentary that is still remembered today.

More than 31 years ago, City turned up to Filbert Street, where both teams had been in the old Division Two, which is now known as the Championship. The Foxes had been chasing promotion whilst City were near the bottom end of the table.

It was the day that Dziekanowski was the main man, putting in a man-of-the-match performance. He was able to slide the ball through to Junior Bent to open the scoring. “And it’s a goal for Bristol City, Junior Bent puts them ahead,” commentated Motson. Made by Dziekanowski, and it was superbly well taken.”

Things would get better for City as Mark Gavin would play an inch-perfect ball for Dziekanowski to score with a superbly cushioned header. When the ball hit the back of the net and the former Celtic forward wheeled away in celebration, he said: “They can’t control this man, he’s having a match all of his own, the Pole. Leicester are struggling, they have no idea how to cope with him.”

Paul Kitson pulled a goal back for Leicester as he headed in from Gary Mills’ cross but it would be City’s day. At the full-time whistle, Motson said the famous words: He’s not just from another country, he looked to be from a different planet today. This was his match.”

Motson covered numerous Bristol City matches, including when Chelsea came to the Gate in April 1976. He also sponsored former Robins winger Albert Adomah, when he was starting his career out at Barnet.