John Motson was a legendary football commentator, renowned for his distinctive style and memorable quotes. Born in 1945 in Salford, England, Motson began his broadcasting career in the late 1960s and quickly made a name for himself as a football commentator. He covered numerous high-profile matches over the years, including World Cups, European Championships, and FA Cup finals.
Motson’s commentary style was characterized by his encyclopedic knowledge of football, his ability to capture the excitement of the game, and his unique turns of phrase. His voice became synonymous with the beautiful game, and his commentary was a staple of British football broadcasting for over four decades.
Motson retired from broadcasting in 2018, but his legacy lives on. His memorable quotes, including “They think it’s all over…” and “For those of you watching in black and white…” are still remembered by football fans worldwide. His contribution to football commentary is immeasurable, and he will always be remembered as one of the greats of the game.
“They think it’s all over… it is now!” – has become a part of football folklore. But what is the story behind this famous phrase, and how did it come to be so widely known and loved? The quote first entered the public consciousness during the 1966 World Cup final, when England faced off against West Germany. The match was tense and closely fought battling it out for the prestigious trophy. In the final minutes of extra time, England scored their fourth goal, securing their victory, and scenes of celebration were seen among the team and their supporters.
As the crowd erupted into cheers, Motson’s voice could be heard over the roar of the stadium. “They think it’s all over… it is now!” he exclaimed, perfectly capturing the excitement and drama of the moment. The quote quickly became famous with the 1966 World Cup victory and with Motson himself, who went on to become one of the most famous and beloved football commentators of all time. His style, knowledge of the game, and ability to capture the excitement of big matches made him a name in the UK and beyond.
In the decades since that historic World Cup final, “They think it’s all over…” has been used countless times in football and beyond. It has become a cultural touchstone in the UK, referenced in films, TV shows, and political speeches. But for all its fame, the phrase remains firmly associated with John Motson and his unique style of commentary.
The evolution of technology in football broadcasting has transformed the way fans watch a game. From black and white television sets to high-definition screens, technological advancements have revolutionized the viewing experience. In the midst of this transformation, commentator John Motson made a famous quip: “For those of you watching in black and white, Spurs are in the yellow.”
Motson’s comment highlighted the importance of advancements in color television technology, which allowed fans to distinguish between teams and appreciate the finer details of the game. Today, fans can watch games in 4K resolution, with multiple camera angles, and even virtual reality. The use of technology has also expanded beyond the broadcast itself, with VAR (video assistant referee) systems being introduced to aid officials in making accurate decisions.
While the evolution of technology has certainly enhanced the viewing experience, it has also raised concerns about the impact on the atmosphere of live games. With fans increasingly able to watch games from the comfort of their own homes, the importance of the stadium experience has been called into question. However, advancements such as live streaming and interactive fan experiences have helped to bridge the gap between live and remote viewing experiences.
John Motson’s legacy as a football commentator is unparalleled. He spent over four decades covering some of the biggest matches in football history, and his unique style and unforgettable quotes have made him a beloved figure in the sport. Whether it was his iconic “They think it’s all over…” line or his other famous phrases, such as “Oh, what an amazing goal!” or “And it’s Arsenal who have taken the lead!”
Motson’s commentary was always passionate, knowledgeable, and engaging. He had a knack for capturing the excitement of the game and making viewers feel like they were right there in the stadium with him. Motson’s influence on football broadcasting is immeasurable. He helped to popularize the sport and bring it into homes across the UK and around the world. He inspired countless young commentators and helped to shape the way we talk about football today.
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