How John Motson's coat went down in football history

John Motson was, for more than 50 years, known primarily for his voice, but his long sheepskin coat - worn on icy sidelines and in cramped commentary boxes - eventually became almost as much of a trademark.

He started wearing the coat in the 1970s during the winter months of football season. It was in December 1990 that his outerwear became notable - when he appeared on the BBC stand to cover an FA Cup tie between Wycombe Wanderers and Peterborough United, which was postponed by snow. Motson was photographed out in the snowy terrain, battling the weather in his calf-length sheepskin. The image appeared in newspapers and became a piece of football history.

John Motson reports for Grandstand in December 1990.

Motson was aware the coat had become a trademark but it was clear it was unintentional. "I had no intention of making the sheepskin coat anything special, but it happened when I was in Wycombe in 1990 and the snow fell," he said in 2017. ”Even in the warmer months, people often asked where his coat was, he said.

Stuart Clarke, the photographer who took the photo from 1990, commented, "A photo and I create a photo, a moment in time, that will help elevate Motson and his coat to national treasure status and please audiences for many years to come. exterior have changed over the years - from overcoats in the 90s to hoodies and vests more recently - Motson's sheepskin was part of football school "if it ain't broke, don't break it don't fix". He had the coats bespoke at a Savile Row tailor, each lasting about 10 years. He bought nine or ten during his career, each costing ant about £2000.

"I always paid for mine. People think the BBC pays for them, but they don't,” he said.

In 2017 he told The Sun that he had ordered a new one for his last Premier League. commentary season. "I thought I'd put one more on," he said. "I'll probably keep it for a few years, but I won't be buying any more after that."

Even though it was too hot for Motson to wear the sheepskin for his last Premier League commentary game in May 2018, social media ensured that Motson's image received its due tribute -

  Lifestyle   Feb 24, 2023   0   56  Add to Reading List
How John Motson's coat went down in football history

John Motson was, for more than 50 years, known primarily for his voice, but his long sheepskin coat - worn on icy sidelines and in cramped commentary boxes - eventually became almost as much of a trademark.

He started wearing the coat in the 1970s during the winter months of football season. It was in December 1990 that his outerwear became notable - when he appeared on the BBC stand to cover an FA Cup tie between Wycombe Wanderers and Peterborough United, which was postponed by snow. Motson was photographed out in the snowy terrain, battling the weather in his calf-length sheepskin. The image appeared in newspapers and became a piece of football history.

John Motson reports for Grandstand in December 1990.

Motson was aware the coat had become a trademark but it was clear it was unintentional. "I had no intention of making the sheepskin coat anything special, but it happened when I was in Wycombe in 1990 and the snow fell," he said in 2017. ”Even in the warmer months, people often asked where his coat was, he said.

Stuart Clarke, the photographer who took the photo from 1990, commented, "A photo and I create a photo, a moment in time, that will help elevate Motson and his coat to national treasure status and please audiences for many years to come. exterior have changed over the years - from overcoats in the 90s to hoodies and vests more recently - Motson's sheepskin was part of football school "if it ain't broke, don't break it don't fix". He had the coats bespoke at a Savile Row tailor, each lasting about 10 years. He bought nine or ten during his career, each costing ant about £2000.

"I always paid for mine. People think the BBC pays for them, but they don't,” he said.

In 2017 he told The Sun that he had ordered a new one for his last Premier League. commentary season. "I thought I'd put one more on," he said. "I'll probably keep it for a few years, but I won't be buying any more after that."

Even though it was too hot for Motson to wear the sheepskin for his last Premier League commentary game in May 2018, social media ensured that Motson's image received its due tribute -

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