My last season as a commentator has come to an end, but I feel like I am going out on a high.
It has been an incredibly exciting season with how Manchester City have played and the records they have broken. Pep Guardiola’s side have really lit up my final year in the commentary box. They have really brought about a significant change in English football with the style they have developed and the ability they have shown throughout their championship-winning campaign.
Since my retirement was announced, I’ve had a wonderful reception from all the clubs I have been to this season and have been given some fantastic gifts. I got a sky-blue sheepskin coat at Manchester City, while Arsenal presented me with a lovely silver cannon in a beautiful case.
I have almost been embarrassed by the reception I have had. Every club has been so hospitable and I’ve even been told I’m welcome to come back when I’m retired, which is very nice because I don’t want to lose my contact with football.
The fans have also shown me a great deal of warmth and affection which I will always be grateful for.
My very first TV commentary was a scoreless draw between Liverpool and Chelsea in October 1971. It was not a very distinguished game or a distinguished commentary either I might add.
The one that put me on the map was my first FA Cup tie when Hereford beat Newcastle in a third-round replay in 1972 with Ronnie Radford’s goal – everyone will remember that.
I was still on trial that year on television so it was a big day for me. I went down there thinking that Newcastle were going to have a comfortable win.
The guy who drove me down to Hereford for the game was called Billy Meadows, he was their centre-forward. He took me down with Rickie George, who was to come and score the winning goal in extra time after Radford hit a 40-yarder.
Billy then drove us home, because they both lived near me in Barnet, and we sat in Billy’s front room and had fish and chips and listened to American Pie before Match of the Day came on and there, wonder of wonders, was my match propelled to the top of the show.
I didn’t look back after that because the BBC realised then I was capable of commentating on important matches.
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