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Match of the Day at 50

Documentary which charts the history of this iconic programme, with classic archive, contributions from players and fans, and an interview with the composer of the theme music.

The television institution that is Match of the Day celebrates 50 years since it was first aired. This definitive documentary charts the history of this iconic programme and highlights its long-ingrained place at the heart of Saturday night television.

We discover why Match of the Day holds such a special place in the nation's affections with classic archive featuring George Best, Brian Clough, Sir Bobby Robson, David Coleman and Jimmy Hill, and brand new contributions from Jose Mourinho, Sergio Aguero, Ryan Giggs, Thierry Henry, Gary Lineker, Wayne Rooney, Des Lynam, Rio Ferdinand, Ian Wright, Michael Owen, Alan Hansen, Alan Shearer, John Motson and stars from the England women's football team.

We also hear from fans of the show including Sir Alan Sugar, Sue Johnston, Piers Morgan and Russell Brand. Barry Stoller, who composed the iconic Match of the Day music, talks for the very first time about how the tune came about and how it also went on to be officially the most recognised theme tune on television, beating EastEnders and Doctor Who. There are also special performances of the music by Lethal Bizzle and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

The show looks at how MOTD has evolved over the years, remaining the main place for football viewers to watch highlights. We also remember how the programme dealt with tragedy when 96 Liverpool fans Iost their life at Hillsborough. We take a look at the elements of the show that have become synonymous with the MOTD brand, like Goal of the Month, and we track down the serial winner of the award who became a cult hero in the 1990s. And Sergio Aguero takes us back to the very spot he scored the most famous of last-minute MOTD goals.

59 minutes

Last on

Sun 14 Dec 2014 06:30

Clip

Music Played

  • 脫lafur Arnalds

    Reclaim

  • Vaults

    Lifespan

  • Bonobo

    颁颈谤谤耻蝉听

  • Ron Grainer

    Doctor Who

    Music Arranger: Delia Derbyshire. Performer: The 大象传媒 Radiophonic Workshop.
  • Bombay Bicycle Club

    Whenever Wherever

  • Wretch 32

    Unorthodox (feat. Example)

  • Barry Stoller

    Match of the Day

  • Barry Stoller

    Match Of The Day

    Orchestra: 大象传媒 Philharmonic.
  • The Band of the Welsh Guards

    Drum Majorette聽

  • Joel Compass

    Forgive Me

  • The Kooks聽

    Down

  • Foxes

    Holding Onto Heaven聽

  • Prides

    The Seeds You Sow聽

  • Bonobo

    We Could Forever聽

  • Oasis

    Supersonic

  • Deep Purple

    Chasing Shadows

  • Led Zeppelin

    Kashmir

  • The Prodigy

    颁濒颈尘产补迟颈锄别听

  • Barry Stoller

    Match of the Day

  • The Lightning Seeds

    The Life Of Riley聽

  • Soweto Gospel Choir

    Uma Ilanga Liyo Shona聽

  • The Cinematic Orchestra

    惭补苍丑补迟迟补听

  • 厂迟补迟别濒别蝉蝉听

    Bloodstream

  • Deco Child

    An Exit聽

  • Sigur R贸s

    罢补办办...听

  • Joel Compass

    Forgive Me

  • Nick Mulvey

    Meet Me There聽

  • Kelis

    Forever Be

  • Bonobo

    Ten Tigers

  • Peter Robinson聽

    Sea Of Voices聽

  • Dark Sky

    滨尘补驳颈苍听

  • Peter Robinson聽

    Sea Of Voices聽

  • Barry Stoller

    Match Of The Day (Lethal Bizzle Reversion)

    Performer: Lethal Bizzle.
  • Duke Dumont & Jax Jones

    I Got U聽

  • 脫lafur Arnalds

    Only The Winds聽

  • Bruce Hornsby & the Range

    The Way It Is

Credits

Role Contributor
Performer Lethal Bizzle
Music Group Royal Philharmonic
Participant George Best
Participant Brian Clough
Participant Bobby Robson
Participant David Coleman
Participant Jimmy Hill
Participant Jose Mourinho
Participant Sergio Aguero
Participant Ryan Giggs
Participant Thierry Henry
Participant Gary Lineker
Participant Wayne Rooney
Participant Des Lynam
Participant Rio Ferdinand
Participant Ian Wright
Participant Michael Owen
Participant Alan Hansen
Participant Alan Shearer
Participant John Motson
Participant Lord Sugar
Participant Sue Johnston
Participant Piers Morgan
Participant Russell Brand
Participant Barry Stoller

Broadcasts

'I composed the MotD theme tune'

'It had to be lively with a good rhythm and make one want to tap one鈥檚 foot to it.'