MATCH OF THE DAY - 40TH ANNIVERSARY

40th anniversary

Kenneth Wolstenholme introduced the first ever edition of Match of the Day on 22 August 1964. Few of the 20,000 viewers who tuned in to see Liverpool beat Arsenal 3-2 on BBC Two would have thought that they were witnessing the birth of a great television institution. Match of the Day went on to became the definitive football show on British television and retains a special place in the nation's affections. And Martyn Smith's book 'Match of the Day - 40th Anniversary' looks back at the history of the programme, recalling the great games and players who have been such an integral part of the MOTD story. All the presenters are remembered, from Kenneth Wolstenholme through to Gary Lineker. Jimmy Hill, Bob Wilson, Des Lynam, Ray Stubbs and Lineker explain how life in their famous chair has changed across the decades, the commentators reveal their secrets and the pundits give their verdicts on the show that players have always wanted to watch. Celebrity fans, former managers, TV producers and editors all share their memories and, of course, the book celebrates the famous theme tune. Packed with facts and photos, many of which have never been seen before, this special celebratory book will tell you everything that you ever wanted to know about one of the longest running and best loved shows on British television.