I was saddened to hear that one of Scotland's best writers and broadcasters, Bob Crampsey, has died after a long illness. He was 78.
Over many years, he contributed to sports programmes on BBC Scotland, Scottish Television and Radio Clyde. Football commentators and pundits are often ridiculed for their perceived bias towards the Old Firm in particular and, in some cases, just being nothing more than a comic figure (you know who I'm talking about here...)
But Bob Crampsey was a hugely respected figure. His dulcet tones were an integral part of BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound programme for years and, unlike many of his colleagues, when Bob spoke you listened. His knowledge of Scottish football was second to none but his knowledge in general was impressive - he won the BBC's Brain of Britain in 1965.
Those of use who fondly remember Scottish Television's Scotsport from three decades ago - when the show was ran on a professional basis - recall the gentle tones of two gentlemen in sports jackets. The legendary Arthur Montford and Bob Crampsey, whose monologue at the end of each programme was often interesting and always heartfelt.
Crampsey joined BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound in 1987 and retired in 2001. It's fair to say the show lost a certain kudos after his retirement.
Farewell to a broadcasting legend. There'll never be another Bob Crampsey.
2 comments:
None to replace him, a proper journalist surrounded by old firm nobody's. A loss to football and the world!
Scotsport was great. We were lucky that we were just in the STV viewing area although one of the Grannies was in Grampian TV area.
I liked Arthur Montford and Glen Michael. I know that Glen Michael wasn't much for sport, but he was entertaining and the cartoons were fun.
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