Memory Lane Legendary commentator John Motson recalls his freezing night watching Southend United draw with Liverpool

[Evening Echo]

LEGENDARY football commentator John Motson has seen more than 3,000 matches behind the microphone during an illustrious career.

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[tallboyblue]

Many years ago the club arranged Sportsman dinners in the bar to raise funds . That was when we were really hard up. As I recall John Motson was the after dinner speaker at the very first dinner and I still have his signed photo. The comedian to follow was Bob the Cat Bevan and they were excellent evenings. Many famous names spoke at subsequent dinners Jackie Charlton Fred Trueman Nobby Stiles to name but a few.

 

[Chrisb]

LEGENDARY football commentator John Motson has seen more than 3,000 matches behind the microphone during an illustrious career.

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What a great night that was.

 

[annie1954]

he came to Roy McDonough's book launch a couple of years ago in the shrimpers . He gave a great talk & loved Roy’s book . He had time for everyone answered any questions a true down to earth guy

 

[kevst183]

I was at the match. It was a bit chilly but being surrounded by hundreds of others made it a bit warmer

 

[Bluegoose]

I was there, a bit nippy.

 

[stewart]

Excellent result too i do believe

 

[Philiph1951]

I used to teach a night class in those days and it was so frustrating to have to work when we were on tv - I couldn’t believe the 0-0 when I got home for the final few minutes!

 

[pete boss]

i was there in the south bank along with what seemed a million people as i was only 10 in 79.. and it was freezing..it was a big standing elevation setting back and i remember standing/trying to stand on the scaffold handrail supports dotted around the south bank.. look at us now! not far away for going bust mr Martin.

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

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Same as a lot of you, I was in the South Bank that night.

 

[bluesfansince1952]

I was living and working in Hong Kong at the time and I got a mate to accept a bet of HK$100 at 10/1 that we would not lose at Roots Hall.
Oh yes...COYB,,,happy memories!

 

[kentblues]

Middle of South Bank right behind the goal. As others remember Parker right thru on goal but just got too close to Clements and couldn't dink it over him- only other chance I remember was Colin Morris. Conditions didn't really suit Liverpool but we put up a decent show on the replay as well.

 

[The Big Dady]

Remember this home game well, standing in the middle of the South Bank as part of our record Roots Hall attendance of 31,033, and the trip to the away game at Anfield with 37,797.

Great Memories.

 

[pete boss]

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Same as a lot of you, I was in the South Bank that night.

great pics bud.. crazy to look back at that south bank ...

 

[ozzie]

That snow storm saved the best team in the world from getting beat by the mighty BLUES....lucky Scousers,still my most memorable night ever ,you had to be there to believe it all

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

 

[ozzie]

Normally before the game you (i would) pop into the Spread or Lion and have a few beers with muckers..but this game.,i did not need a beer...,like most i was drunk with the build up/atmosphere of THIS game....as a one off game....it will NEVER be bettered...

 

[BluBayou]

We sold out for the game (32,000 tickets I think). I got there late and was still queuing to get into the South Bank mid-way through the first half. Eventually they just opened the main gate and we went in without going through the turnstiles. Official attendance of 31,033 but probably more than 32,000. I'm guessing some managed to bunk in or joined the end of the South bank queue when they saw the gate being opened !

 

[LCBB72]

Normally before the game you (i would) pop into the Spread or Lion and have a few beers with muckers..but this game.,i did not need a beer...,like most i was drunk with the build up/atmosphere of THIS game....as a one off game....it will NEVER be bettered...

The only downside of the evening was that Liverpool had The North Bank .

 

[Dave Smiths Love Child]

I use to go out with a girl that worked at Aquatels hotel now Bas Fest, where the Liverpool team where staying and got me in to chat to the Liverpool team, in them days they were sportsman and loved to meet the fans, Ray Kennedy especially friendly and spoke about his Arsenal day with affection
One of their greats didn't disappointed Emlyn Hughes was as nice as you saw on TV. Steve Heighway spoke with affection for the match as he knew how much it meant to the fans as he came from Skermersdale club before Liverpool
I was 18 and only there for an hour but made welcome and have a soft spot still for them, cannot imagine it happening into days world sadly, bigger egos and bigger wallets