Motson

Every commentator has his specialism – John Motson, for instances, approaches football with such boyish glee you can't help wondering if he still points excitedly at diggers and trains, too – and Pearce tackles the pronunciation of non‑English names with so much brio and elan it should be classified as an extreme sport.

Short shorts put Australians in a tight spot at the Rugby World Cup | Harry Pearson 2011

Swansea's game with Bolton forced me into full John Motson mode, chuckling, Oh, and would you believe it?

For fans of ex-Middlesbrough players, these are heady days indeed | Harry Pearson 2011

There are lots of old-fashioned sheepskin coats of the now-over-to-John-Motson-at-Anfield variety, perfect if you want to look like John Motson at Anfield.

Alexis Petridis: Like lambs to the slaughter Alexis Petridis 2010

Apparently no one's told John Motson, who allowed himself a little chuckle with this gem on Match of the Day after Juan Mata's goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers: It should have been pulled back sooner for Mata.

tiki-taka: Arsène Wenger and the biggest left-footed player ever 2011

Carlos Tevez is "very much City's talisman" according to John Motson – himself very much the sort of item you might hang from the rear-view mirror to ward off road accidents, and mask the smell of the dog – but has been forced to work his medieval-mugged magic from the stands, while City try to decide whether to send him back to the belltower or not.

Wayne Rooney can be England's top player – as long as he isn't picked | Harry Pearson 2011

Motson: "He turned, volleyed and what a good finish."

World Cup 2010: David Platt relives Italia 90 volley against Belgium Compiled by Louise Taylor 2010

Motty is always warmly received, pointing up the Motson-shaped hole at the heart of BBC's commentary team, currently occupied by Guy Mowbray.

World Cup 2010: Guy Mowbray faces instant justice from fickle Leeds mob 2010

Motson, a racing fan since turning down a share in Grand National winner Earth Summit, recently celebrated a winner when Motty's Gift, a horse he bought as a surprise present for wife, Annie, won at Kempton last month.

Bank on Anna Salai to collect the Irish 1,000 Guineas cash 2010

Motson: "… That's the biggest smile in world football tonight – David Platt of Aston Villa."

World Cup 2010: David Platt relives Italia 90 volley against Belgium Compiled by Louise Taylor 2010

The news came through from John Motson, and his words had me clenching my Fosters in fury:

A blogger returns Jeff 2007