Gerry Harrison dead at 89: Former sports commentator who covered seven World Cups passes away
The world of sports commentary has lost a beloved figure with the passing of Gerry Harrison, a renowned former ITV commentator, at the age of 89. For three decades, from the 1970s to the 1990s, Harrison was a familiar face in many households, bringing the excitement of football to life through his work on Anglia TV’s Match of the Week and ITV Sport. His legacy, however, extends far beyond his on-screen presence, as he played a significant role in shaping the way football was covered on television. Harrison’s impact on the sport is still felt today, and his contributions will be remembered for generations to come. As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from colleagues, friends, and fans, all of whom remembered him as an inspirational figure, a consummate professional, and a thoroughly decent person.
Gerry Harrison’s career in sports commentary was a long and distinguished one, spanning multiple decades and numerous high-profile events. He covered seven World Cups, starting with the 1970 tournament in Mexico, and was a regular presence on ITV’s football coverage. However, it was his work on Anglia TV’s Match of the Week that will be most fondly remembered, particularly his coverage of Ipswich Town’s successes under Sir Bobby Robson, including their FA Cup win in 1978 and UEFA Cup triumph in 1981. Harrison’s expertise and passion for the sport made him a beloved figure in the East Anglian region, where he also covered the fortunes of Norwich City, Cambridge United, Luton Town, Peterborough United, Northampton Town, Colchester United, and Southend United. His ability to bring the game to life, to convey the excitement and drama of the beautiful game, was unparalleled, and his commentary will be deeply missed by fans of all ages.
In addition to his work in football, Harrison was also a pioneer in motorsport commentary, hosting a show called Wheels, which helped pave the way for other sports to receive significant airtime on terrestrial television. His influence on the sports broadcasting industry cannot be overstated, and his legacy continues to shape the way we consume sports today. After leaving Anglia in the early 1990s, Harrison played a key role in helping production company IMG start its involvement in football, which ultimately contributed to the structuring of the Premier League’s coverage. This work behind the scenes, though perhaps less visible, was just as important as his on-screen contributions, and a testament to his dedication to the sport and the industry.
As news of Gerry Harrison’s passing spread, tributes began to pour in from across the sports broadcasting world. Tony Jones, a former colleague at ITV News Anglia, remembered Harrison as an inspirational figure who had given him his first job in television back in 1982. Jones recalled Harrison’s ability to set the highest possible standards, both in terms of his commentary and his writing for television. “He was such a strong figure within the television industry,” Jones said, echoing the sentiments of many who had the privilege of working alongside him. Fellow sports commentator Ian Darke also paid tribute, describing Harrison as a “terrific ITV football commentator” and a pleasure to work with. Stuart Jarrold, another former colleague, remembered Harrison as the “voice of East Anglian football” and a consummate professional, who was always diligent in his preparation and made commentating sound easy.
The outpouring of tributes is a testament to the impact Gerry Harrison had on the lives of those who knew him, both personally and professionally. His passing leaves a void in the world of sports commentary, but his legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of commentators, producers, and directors. ITV Sport has announced plans to pay tribute to Harrison during its broadcast of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup match between Grimsby Town and Manchester United, a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to bringing the beautiful game to life for millions of fans. As the sports world comes together to mourn the loss of a true legend, it is clear that Gerry Harrison’s memory will live on, inspiring and entertaining fans for years to come.
In the days and weeks ahead, as the football community continues to pay its respects to Gerry Harrison, it is clear that his impact will be deeply felt. His contributions to the sport, both on and off the screen, have left an indelible mark on the world of football, and his legacy will continue to shape the way we experience and enjoy the game. As we remember Gerry Harrison, we remember not only a talented commentator and broadcaster but a kind, generous, and inspirational figure who touched the lives of countless people through his work. His passing is a sad reminder that all good things must come to an end, but his memory will live on, inspiring future generations of sports fans, commentators, and broadcasters to follow in his footsteps and strive for excellence in all that they do.
