Retro TV Match of the Day John Motson T-Shirt

After joining the BBC as a radio commentator in 1969, John Motson switched to Match of the Day in October, 1971, and, just a few months later, enjoyed the good fortune to cover one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history. 

After a 2-2 draw at St James' Park, the third round replay between Southern League minnows Hereford United and First Division Newcastle United was held on the day allocated for the fourth round of the competition having been postponed no less than three times. 

At Edgar Street, Malcolm Macdonald put the visitors ahead before, with time running out, the home side equalised, with Motson describing the action as follows. "Oh what a goal! Radford the scorer. Ronnie Radford! And the crowd are invading the pitch. What a tremendous shot by Ronnie Radford." In extra-time, substitute Ricky George hit the winner for the underdogs.

John was the commentator when Wimbledon caused another massive FA Cup upset when they beat Liverpool in the final and was at Hillsborough a year later when he reported on the tragedy which unfolded rather than the abandoned semi-final.

Motson continued to provide commentary until his retirement in 2017, having covered ten World Cups, ten European Championships and twenty-nine FA Cup Finals.