The ITV regions all had there own particular show. London and the south had the Big Match with Brian Moore, Anglia had Gerry Harrison with Match of the Week. Yorkshire's offerings was Football Special which was hosted by Fred Dinenage and over the years featured Keith Macklin, Martin Tyler (A very young Tyler) and John Helm. Tyne Tees show called Shoot! once had the legendary Kenneth Wolstenholme with the microphone. For Granada their Kick Off Match show was fronted by Elton Welsby (where is he now) and the action on the pitch described by Gerald Sinstadt.
My own viewing was Star Soccer with Gary Newbon and the informative Hugh Johns.
The Sunday roast barely had time to settle when the familiar signature tune sounded at around ten past two. Derby, Forest, West Brom, Villa, Leicester, Birmingham, Wolves and on the odd occasion, Notts County or Walsall.
Of course these shows didn't feature the hi-tech replays and game stats of today, but they were devoid of excessive chat in the studio. Far less glamorous than the beers Match of the Day, but you were guaranteed of seeing local clubs highlights.
Hugh Johns was a fine commentator and I was saddened to hear of his death a few years ago. He gave a good honest description of the game being played. Hugh was the ITV commentator for the 1966 World Cup Final, famously overshadowed by Kenneth Wolstenholme's famous 'They think it's all over' line!
The young fans today don't realise how lucky they are to have so much live Football on the box, however despite the riches that it brings to the game, I tend to feel back in the days as described above, fans were far closer to their club and the players in the pre silly money pay, were more in touch with the fans!
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