He was probably best known for his repartee with the heavyweight champion, Frank Bruno, who became a friend. Big Frank would pepper his replies to answers with the phrase 'Know what I mean, 'Arry' being used like a full stop.
I think this is pretty remarkable. How many sports commentators became personal friends and advocates of the sports stars they watch? I can only think of John Arlott's mentoring of South African cricketer Basil D'Oliveira in the early 1960s when the latter's talent was being submerged by Apartheid.
But think of modern-day commentators who are professional journalists, not former players, sharing catchphrases in a kind of double act:
- John Motson and David Beckham?
- Christopher Martin-Jenkins and Kevin Pietersen?
- John Inverdale and Jonny Wilkinson?
- Hazel Irvine and Phillips Idowu?
- Clare Balding and Andy Murray?
No, there is usually a professional distance, similar to inspectors writing reports on the performance of their victims, whether they be teachers, restaurant owners or farmers. And the economics of sport have changed beyond recognition.
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