Motty's Diary: A Year in the Life

Book Review: Motty's Diary: A Year in the Life By John Motson There's something wonderfully fitting about reading "Motty's Diary" now, in the wake of John Motson's passing at 77. The book, like the man himself, is packed with the kind of precise detail and infectious enthusiasm that made him the voice of football for generations of fans. 
Reading Motty's diary entries feels like sitting next to him in the commentary box. His meticulous observations – jotted down on his famous A4 cards in felt-tip pen – capture not just the games themselves but the whole tapestry of football life. The same man who could recall Peter Osgood's perm from a 1973 match brings that granular attention to detail to every page. 
What makes this book special isn't just the football. It's Motson's ability to turn statistics into stories. His self-deprecating humour shines through, especially when he recounts his early days and that nerve-wracking first game between Liverpool and Chelsea. "What do I say now?" he wondered then – a moment of vulnerability that humanises one of broadcasting's giants.
The diary format works perfectly, allowing readers to follow Motson through the rhythms of a football season. His preparation for each match reveals the foundations of his success: those 500+ football record books weren't just for show. By his own admission, he was "terrified of not knowing enough."
But beyond the facts and figures (and there are plenty), what emerges is a portrait of someone who never lost his boyhood love of the game. From watching Charlton Athletic at age six to becoming the BBC's voice of football, Motson's journey is a testament to turning passion into profession.
The book's real strength lies in its authenticity. This isn't a polished autobiography or a sanitised highlight reel – it's a raw, day-by-day account of life in football broadcasting. Motson's voice comes through clearly, whether he's discussing the changing nature of the sport or reminiscing about his famous sheepskin coats.
Some might find the level of detail overwhelming – Motson's "obsession" with statistics occasionally threatens to overshadow the narrative. But that's part of the charm. This is Motty unfiltered, giving readers exactly what made him special: encyclopaedic knowledge combined with genuine love for the beautiful game.
Reading it today, certain passages take on new poignancy. His observation that football "still has the power, as few other things, to move nations and continents" feels particularly resonant. It's a reminder that while the game has changed dramatically since Motson's early days, its essential magic remains.
"Motty's Diary" isn't just a book about football – it's a time capsule of an era when commentary was an art form, when statistics were lovingly researched rather than Google-searched, and when one man's voice could unite millions of viewers in shared sporting joy. For anyone who ever heard Motson's distinctive tones crackling through their television, this book is a treasure. For everyone else, it's a masterclass in turning passion into excellence. 
Like the best of Motson's commentary, this diary manages to be both informative and entertaining, detailed and accessible. It's a fitting testament to a man who, for half a century, helped us see football more clearly – one perfectly chosen word at a time.
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Publisher: Visit Virgin Books
Published: 1996
Price: £0.99
Hardcover: 277 pages
Lavishly illustrated
Postal Weight: 450g