Legendary football broadcaster and commentator Peter Brackley has died aged 67 following a short illness.
His passing was confirmed in a statement by Brighton & Hove Albion FC, of which he was a lifelong fan, and he will be remembered as having one of the most recognisable voices on radio and television.
Brackley began his career on the radio with BBC Radio Brighton in the 1970s, before making the switch to television and taking up a role with ITV.
It was at ITV where he began covering some of the biggest football events, including the 1984 European Championships, the 1986 European Cup Final between Steaua Bucharest and Barcelona, along with the 1986 FIFA World Cup finals.
He moved over to the fledgling BSkyB in the late 1980s and covered the 1990 FIFA World Cup for then BSkyB-owned channel Eurosport.
Brackley then took arguably the role for which he is best known, when he began commentating on Channel 4’s Football Italia throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, working alongside the likes of the late Ray Wilkins, James Richardson and Luther Blissett.
Alongside his role with Channel 4, the legendary commentator also returned to ITV during this period, featuring at another four World Cups between 1994 and 2006, as well as the 1996 and 2000 European Championships.
As well as his commentary work, Brackley featured regularly on ITV’s Saint and Greavsie show and, a great impressionist, he often provided voice for the satirical current affairs show Spitting Image.
He also provided his unique commentary voice on many football video games, starting with World League Soccer in the late 1990s and continuing with Pro Evolution Soccer in the early 2000s.
Many tributes have poured in from former colleagues and fellow sports broadcasters on social media, a selection of which can be found below.
https://twitter.com/C4Sport/status/1051551753605447683
Pete was a good friend and fantastic colleague. He helped my career enormously. We never did manage to write that sit com. Entertaining company, and an illuminating voice. Goodnight Brackers #channel4 #italianfootball@NorthOneTV https://t.co/JOaFplgZ8n
— Gary Bloom (@Bloomers57) October 14, 2018
Peter Brackley. One of the great names of BBC Radio Sport. A wonderful commentator & the voice of Italian football when it was the best league going. Above all, a very funny and very warm man. Saw him at The Amex regularly and will miss him making me smile. Another sad day.
— Steve Wilson (@Wilsonfooty) October 14, 2018
Everyone at ITV Sport is deeply saddened by the news that broadcaster Peter Brackley has passed away. Peter worked at four World Cups for ITV Sport and will forever be remembered as a very talented broadcaster. Our condolences go out to Peter's family.
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) October 14, 2018
RIP Peter Brackley. Lovely character and colleague. A fine broadcaster and a quite brilliant mimic and after-dinner speaker. Brackers gone much too soon.
— Jim Rosenthal (@rosenthal_jim) October 14, 2018
Peter Brackley was a gorgeous human being, just such a kind hearted, talented and funny man with a fabulous voice. When I started at ITV Sport in 1998 (woman in a mans world and all that) he was hugely welcoming and supportive. Sending love to his family and friends.
— Gabby Logan (@GabbyLogan) October 14, 2018
RIP Peter Brackley.
Once upon a times when commentating on Besiktas v Leeds, he revealed it was “1m Turkish Lira to an English pound”. His next line was about watching their version of ‘who wants to be a millionaire’ and he said, “it was all over after the first question”.— Jim Beglin (@jimbeglin) October 14, 2018
RIP Brackers.
The most iconic of football commentary voices moves onto the gantry in the sky.
An absolute gent, incredible wit and inspiration. https://t.co/9jrwmzmanF— Rob Palmer (@robbopalmer) October 14, 2018
Very, very sad to hear about the death of Peter Brackley; a wonderful broadcaster and a talented member of a generation of radio stars. Great memories of producing him at BBC Radio Sport on Sport on 2, Sunday Sport and sportsdesks. A generous presenter and terrific commentator.
— Dave Gordon (@DaveGordonSport) October 14, 2018
My favourite commentary line from Peter Brackley, when apologising to Channel 4 viewers for the rather distant view of the pitch of that afternoons Serie A match.
"The match is in Perugia, the cameras appear to be in Peru."
— John Roder (@johnrodercomm) October 14, 2018
Brighton & Hove Albion chief executive Paul Barber commented:
“So many of us here at the club knew Peter well. He was a hugely talented, knowledgable, funny and, above all else, a good man.
“We will miss him. Our condolences go out to Peter’s family, including our colleague and his nephew Paul, and all of his many friends.”
During the latter years of his life, Brackley became well known for his work with Albion in the Community, and helped to organise The Goldstone Days 20 Years On! show at the Theatre Royal, alongside Guy Butters.
Not only did it raise funds, the show also gave Peter the platform to demonstrate both his acting and comic abilities on a memorable evening at the Theatre Royal in front of many hundred Brighton fans.