Football commentator Peter Brackley dies aged 67

0

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

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.

Leave a Reply