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John Motson Quotes

Powerful John Motson for Daily Growth

About John Motson

John Motson OBE (born July 9, 1945), often known as 'Saint John' or simply 'Motty', is a legendary British sports broadcaster and author. Known for his distinctive style and encyclopedic knowledge of football, he spent over four decades as the face of Match of the Day, BBC's flagship football programme. Born in London, Motson grew up in a working-class family where football was more than just a game - it was a passion. Inspired by his father, who played semi-professionally and had a vast collection of football books, John developed a deep love for the sport from an early age. After studying at Hatfield Polytechnic (now University of Hertfordshire), he began his journalistic career in local newspapers before joining the BBC in 1968. His big break came when he was appointed as the football commentator on Grandstand, the BBC's sports programme. This role led him to commentate on Match of the Day in 1973, a position he held for more than 40 years. Throughout his career, Motson has covered numerous major football events, including 12 World Cup tournaments and 10 European Championships. He is also the author of several books, most notably 'John Motson's Football Annual', which was published annually from 1984 to 2006. Known for his catchphrases like "It's not coming home" and "Here's the thing", John Motson has been honoured with an OBE for services to broadcasting and has received numerous other awards throughout his illustrious career. Despite retiring from Match of the Day in 2018, his influence on British football culture remains unparalleled.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"And so, here we go again, into the realms of the unknown."

This quote by John Motson suggests a sense of anticipation and adventure as he embarks on a journey or experience that is new and unexplored. It conveys a spirit of curiosity and willingness to face the uncertainty that comes with the unknown, emphasizing the excitement and potential discoveries that lie ahead. The quote can be applied in various aspects of life, from sports commentary (as Motson was a football commentator) to personal growth or exploration.

"If it wasn't for the goalposts, it would be a lovely afternoon for a saunter around the park."

The quote suggests that, despite the excitement and competitive nature of a soccer match, the primary purpose of playing the game is to enjoy oneself. The presence of goalposts (or the objective of scoring goals) adds structure and purpose to the activity, transforming an otherwise peaceful stroll in the park into a challenging and engaging experience. In essence, Motson's quote underscores the idea that sports, even with their inherent pressures and competitiveness, provide an enjoyable and entertaining way to spend one's leisure time.

"Football is a simple game based on the giving and receiving of passes... and if you lose the ball, you run."

This quote by John Motson succinctly encapsulates the essence of football as a collaborative sport reliant on passing skills and movement. The act of "giving" refers to making an accurate pass to a teammate, while "receiving" implies the ability to control the ball effectively upon receiving it. The statement "and if you lose the ball, you run" highlights the importance of both defensive and offensive tactics. Losing the ball doesn't mean defeat; instead, regaining possession is emphasized through immediate efforts such as sprinting to recover the ball or applying pressure on the opposing team. This quote suggests that football is a dynamic game where both strategy and athleticism are essential to success.

"This is where legends are made and dreams are shattered."

The quote signifies that extraordinary moments, those that define greatness (legends) or create memories (dreams), often occur in challenging and intense situations. Simultaneously, it serves as a reminder that these same environments can also lead to disappointment and shattered dreams for those unable to meet the demands placed upon them. This duality captures the essence of competition and the human spirit's pursuit of greatness in the face of adversity.

"And that, as they say, is that."

The quote by John Motson, "And that, as they say, is that," signifies a conclusion or end to a particular topic or discussion. It's a way of saying 'this is all there is to it', indicating that no further information or debate is necessary on the matter at hand. It's often used in sports commentary to wrap up a match analysis.

I might feel a little bit empty, and it might get to me for a short time, but I'm hoping to keep my association with football and with broadcasting - I'm not retiring from everything; I'm retiring from the BBC. I'm certainly not going pipe and slippers.

- John Motson

Feel, Association, Bit, Short Time

Its Arsenal 0 - Everton 1, and the longer it stays like that the more you've got to fancy Everton.

- John Motson

Fancy, Longer, Stays, Everton

The competition to get above the rest and be the lead commentator, or whatever you want to call it, is much fiercer than it was when I was starting out. By the same token, there were not as many jobs going back then, so to get one was an achievement in itself.

- John Motson

Achievement, Back, Out, Commentator

It is now a pleasure to go to any of the Premier League grounds. They are so welcoming, not just to me but to all the broadcasters - all media, really, you have to say.

- John Motson

Pleasure, Go, League, Broadcasters

The FA Cup as a tournament was very good to me. I'd like to think I can still have some association with that because it was the Ronnie Radford goal for Hereford against Newcastle which really put me on the map in 1972.

- John Motson

Some, Against, Very, Ronnie

And Seaman, just like a falling oak, manages to change direction.

- John Motson

Change, Falling, Like, Seaman

The goals made such a difference to the way this game went.

- John Motson

Game, Difference, Made, Goals

It looks like things are changing in north London. Tottenham have gone down a road they've never been down before. They've kept their best players and pushed young English ones through. They've started to match Arsenal - who were light years ahead - by building a new stadium.

- John Motson

London, Through, Been, Stadium

Even now, I still get a bit apprehensive before a game because I am worried about whether I have done enough preparation or if something is going to catch me out. But the fear factor has gone - as it should have done by now, really, after nearly 50 years.

- John Motson

Game, Before, Nearly, Factor

The World Cup is a truly International event.

- John Motson

World Cup, World, Truly, International

Nearly all the Brazilian supporters are wearing yellow shirts - it's a fabulous kaleidoscope of colour.

- John Motson

Colour, Shirts, Brazilian, Supporters

I did a bit of boxing when younger. Once I was joined by Muhammad Ali as my co-commentator. I've got a picture of the two of us together ringside at the Albert Hall on my wall at home.

- John Motson

Younger, Joined, Hall, None

The whole London football scene is now financially more powerful and ambitious than ever before. That reflects the city's economic might and its multiculturalism. Now West Ham have a new , and Spurs and Chelsea will follow. And the London clubs have widened their areas of support.

- John Motson

London, Chelsea, Before, Financially

I'm not a celebrity whose face is recognised everywhere I go, like Gary Lineker, but my voice does make people sit up and pay attention from time to time.

- John Motson

Voice, Celebrity, Like, From Time To Time

I still use felt tip pens for my notes, on a white board that I carry around with me. I am not into the computer technology - you can say that quite safely.

- John Motson

Notes, Still, Use, Board

I've watched us go out on penalties so often. I really thought we'd make it at Euro '96, especially after Gazza's goal against Scotland. I still go to every England game as a spectator.

- John Motson

Game, Euro, Penalties, Spectator

The match has become quite unpredictable, but it still looks as though Arsenal will win the cup.

- John Motson

Looks, Still, Though, Arsenal

My favourite English player of my time was Paul Gascoigne. I interviewed him several times, always entertaining.

- John Motson

Always, Entertaining, Paul

I have had a wonderful time. I don't think things could have gone any better for me because I was football-mad as a boy, and to get a job watching the game and going to all the major events I have been to has been very rewarding.

- John Motson

Game, Been, Very, Wonderful Time

I do remember once going to Salzburg in Austria. Liverpool were playing a European game there, and they put me in a box behind glass. I hate being behind glass; I always want to feel part of the action.

- John Motson

Game, Behind, Always, Austria

Not the first half you might have expected, even though the score might suggest that it was.

- John Motson

Score, Half, Though, Suggest

I've been fortunate enough to witness some of the biggest moments in football history mere yards away from the action, but I wanted to go out on a high rather than stay too long. I didn't want to get to the stage where people say, 'Oh blimey, Motty's lost it. He's getting the players wrong, and his voice is going.'

- John Motson

Voice, Some, Been, Oh

I think this could be our best victory over Germany since the war.

- John Motson

Think, Over, I Think, Since

Brazil - they're so good it's like they are running round the pitch playing with themselves.

- John Motson

Brazil, Running, Round, Pitch

There is still nothing on the proverbial scoreboard.

- John Motson

Nothing, Still, Proverbial, Scoreboard

I just thought my 50th year in the BBC is 2018, and it has to end sometime, and I thought that would be a good note to go out.

- John Motson

Thought, Note, BBC, Sometime

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