They think its all over

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It is now. Ken Wolstenholme has died today aged 81. He must have invented Football on TV. Great commentator, sadly missed.

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002

Answers

Sad to hear that news :-(

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002

I've often wondered why Wolstenholme disappeared from screens shortly after the 1966 WC final. Why was he sidelined? Or touchlined?

Any ideas?

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002


he wasn't very good really

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002

He didn't disappear forever though - he used to do the commentaries on 'Shoot' when I was growing up. Then he did some stuff on Football Italia, didn't he?

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002

I seem to recall he was widely regarded as being the Jonathon Pierce of the 70's - ie. not well liked.

Very sorry to hear of his death.

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002



Part of my "growing up" years has left me today. RIP Ken W.

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002

Very sad to hear this. The commentator of those fabulous games in '66. Surprised also to hear people say he wasn't good. I can't recall the standards of the time but don't remember anyone having a particular go at him. And I note we have never won the World Cup since he was replaced. :-)

He had said that he wanted the "They think it's all over ..." quote to be written on his gravestone and there could not be a more poignant epitaph. It was just one of those magic moments, a scriptwriter could have spent weeks dreaming that line up but it just came out in a most spontaneous and brilliant outburst, which would immediately recall to mind that wonderful moment as Hurst sealed our only ever World Cup win.

Thanks Ken for being part of that wonderful time for English football, and thanks for that memorable phrase that ensured that your name would be carved forever in the annals of English Football History. It is now.

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002

Jonno - As I certainly recall it, KW outstayed his welcome - much like John Motson has - and disappeared without trace for a number of years, before ultimately reappearing as a long-lost hero associated with past glory.

We have a habit of doing this to celebrities and public figures in the UK.

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002


Exactly so Clarky - did I ever tell you about the time when I was rich and famous? :-)

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002

was a good write up of his career on Football365, supposedly dropped from the beeb in 70 for David Coleman (????) so I suppose we did inherit his cock-ups. One of the best lines which I think came from Ken was an incident involving Pop Robson whilst playing for the mackems. During a goalmouth scramble an exasperated Wolstenholme shouts "Robson the balls behind you" --- sheer class -- I for on will miss him .....

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002


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