Author 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.