BBC's commentating great is as renowned for his gaffs and guffours as he is cutting edge soccer diatribe, but those squeaky tones will be sorely missed for years to come by the soccer-watching fraternity. (Especially when you turn over and Clive Tyldesley is banging on about "delicious passes" again.)

Motty claims that he'll be too old to slog around South Africa in 2010 (although makes no mention as to whether England will be there to join him) and will gracefully slip away from the international scene following Sunday's Euro 2008 Final between Spain and Germany. But he'll still be on our screens for a while on Match of the Day.

I am left with two major concerns, though. Firstly, during FA Cup 1st and 2nd Round weekends, who will be there to mention Ronnie Ranford's goal for Hereford United against Newcastle United in 1972?

And secondly, please for the love of God say it isn't Mark Lawrenson ..