The football executive and commentator on Anglia TV's football coverage for many years, as well as ITV World Cup coverage, has died aged 89. Always came across as a likeable bloke. RIP Gerry.
Sad news, one of those Big Match voices from Sunday afternoons all those years ago. Always thought of Ipswich and Norwich when he was mentioned, he had an article in Backpass mag recently about Arnold Muhren and Frans Thijssen two guys he'd know plenty about.
A commentator who is fondly remembered as the voice of East Anglian football has died.
Gerry Harrison was a leading commentator for ITV in the 1970s and 1980s.
He rose to fame in 1969 when he entered the BBC's Find a Commentator competition.
Although he did not win, his talent shone through and he was offered the post of commentator for ITV Anglia, based in Norwich.
He covered several World Cups but is perhaps best known locally for presenting Match of the Week.
In 1985, Harrison was promoted to head of sport at Anglia, but left in 1993 to work for another production company.
Tributes have started pouring in for the much-loved figure, who was born in 1942.
Retired football commentator Tony Jones said in a post on X: "The commentary world has lost another great with the death of Gerry Harrison, whose voice was a feature of ITV coverage for so many years. Gerry was later behind the globally watched Futbol Mundial and IMG’s relationship with the Premier League. Thoughts with Kate and family."
Long-time football journalist, Mick Dennis, added that he was "saddened" to hear the news of his death.
He shared some fond memories of their long friendship and said: "Like everyone who sounds relaxed and at ease while commentating, Gerry's secret was that he was always diligently well-prepared. So, however frantic the action, he remained gently wry and understated."
A Norwich City fan added on X: "Sad news. An iconic commentator who divided opinion across the Norfolk/Suffolk border. We thought he was one of them, they thought he was one of us. But what he was was a terrific commentator and Match of the Week host. Rest well now Gerry."
The Kevin Beattie Foundation charity posted: "Sad news, RIP Gerry Harrison. Grew up watching him on Match of the Week every Sunday for ITV Anglia. Great commentator, presenter who had a real passion for the game."
Comments
RIP.
RIP
He was Anglia TV's answer to Brian Moore.
A commentator who is fondly remembered as the voice of East Anglian football has died.
Gerry Harrison was a leading commentator for ITV in the 1970s and 1980s.
He rose to fame in 1969 when he entered the BBC's Find a Commentator competition.
Although he did not win, his talent shone through and he was offered the post of commentator for ITV Anglia, based in Norwich.
He covered several World Cups but is perhaps best known locally for presenting Match of the Week.
In 1985, Harrison was promoted to head of sport at Anglia, but left in 1993 to work for another production company.
Retired football commentator Tony Jones said in a post on X: "The commentary world has lost another great with the death of Gerry Harrison, whose voice was a feature of ITV coverage for so many years. Gerry was later behind the globally watched Futbol Mundial and IMG’s relationship with the Premier League. Thoughts with Kate and family."
Long-time football journalist, Mick Dennis, added that he was "saddened" to hear the news of his death.
He shared some fond memories of their long friendship and said: "Like everyone who sounds relaxed and at ease while commentating, Gerry's secret was that he was always diligently well-prepared. So, however frantic the action, he remained gently wry and understated."
A Norwich City fan added on X: "Sad news. An iconic commentator who divided opinion across the Norfolk/Suffolk border. We thought he was one of them, they thought he was one of us. But what he was was a terrific commentator and Match of the Week host. Rest well now Gerry."