Published by Pitch Publishing, price: £14.99
Matt Eastley’s book is a joyously nostalgic journey through the golden days of regional televised football in the 1970s.
The iconic commentators of the period -Brian Moore, Hugh Johns, Gerald Sinstadt, Gerry Harrison, Martyn Tyler, Keith Macklin and Roger Malone – brought great drama to our TV screens when there were only three channels.
The independent TV football programmes of the day were called The Big Match, Shoot or Kick Off Match and each region had their own version.
Television was relatively limited in those days and many boring Sundays were enlivened by family roasts and football on the box.
The 70s had many entertainers and mavericks such as Malcolm Allison, Tommy Docherty, Stan Bowles, George Best, Kevin Keegan, Tony Currie, Charlie George, Rodney Marsh, Mick Channon, Frank Worthington and Brian Clough.
Brian Moore was the consummate commentator and presenter of the period. Eastley states: “There was always something so effortlessly comforting and reassuring about Brian Moore. Like a kindly uncle or your favourite teacher at school, his relaxed, smiling face radiated warmth and cordiality, exuding trust and respect.”
Master at work: Brian Moore
Eastley provides important interviews with many of the commentators, presenters, producers and cameramen of the time. Plus, some brilliant photographs of the main protagonists.
There are many illuminating anecdotes such as when the rivalry between BBC and ITV resulted in a fist fight between floor managers at the 1969 FA Cup final between Man City and Leicester.
The skills of the ITV broadcasters were well demonstrated at the end of the 1973 FA Cup final when the Bob Stokoe gallop was captured by the cameras.
“With his trilby and flapping fawn mac over a red tracksuit, Bob Stokoe’s famous canter on to the Wembley pitch to embrace goalkeeping hero Jim Montgomery is one of the most famous scenes in FA Cup history.” It is a shot director Bob Gardam and Moore both loved and is often cited as one of the finest examples of director and commentator working together.
Producer Jeff Foulser said: “It was television journalism at its best. It’s a director listening to his commentator and a commentator working with his director’s pictures.”
Eastley’s book provides a fitting tribute to all the key characters in these regional TV programmes, but special praise is given to Moore, who was universally regarded as a great commentator and a gentleman.
A volume two is planned to take the story into the 1980s and it will no doubt be lapped up by those who have enjoyed this book.
‘Brian Moore Saved Our Sundays’ is a recommended read for those who remember the football of the 1970s but also for those who want to know more about the heyday of regional football TV coverage.
RATING OUT OF 10: 8
