Today South Yorkshire said farewell to Bob Jackson, a well known football fan and pioneer.
Bob was a sports reporter and producer for BBC Radio Sheffield between 1972 and 1992. He was known for his unbiased fanatical support of South Yorkshires football teams and would play brass band music during commentaries to cheer up losing teams. Local legend had it that this often worked.
Football fans nationwide have to thank him for his invention of the football phone in. November 1986 was when he invited fans to ring in with ‘grumbles’ about their local team. A few weeks after this it is said that a Sheffield Wednesday fan rang in to ‘praise’ the Owls for their 5-0 win. ‘Praise and Grumble’ was born, the first football phone in.
It has blossomed since then nationwide and gives a backdrop to many a fans journey home from the match.
Thank you Bob.
Payonthegate 