Jimmy Armfield was a true gentleman with a voice of authority and respect as a broadcaster... it was always a privilege to be in his company

  • Jimmy Armfield was a consummate professional during his work on radio 
  • He was a pleasure to be around and had such a natural enthusiasm for the game 
  • Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton once wrote a private note to him
  • He was a footballing great but he never wanted to be the centre of attention 

It was a privilege to work with Jimmy Armfield and it was always a pleasure to be in his company.

Warm, genuine, kind, caring and he always had time for everyone. Words cannot do him justice, a true gentleman.

One of my first games for Radio 5 Live in 2002 was with Jimmy. I phoned my parents as soon as I knew, it meant that much to me.

Ian Dennis (right) worked with Jimmy Armfield (left) for many years at the BBC

Ian Dennis (right) worked with Jimmy Armfield (left) for many years at the BBC

Armfield was hugely admired and respected in his post-playing broadcasting work

Armfield was hugely admired and respected in his post-playing broadcasting work

I was in awe of him but my nerves were soothed as he put me at ease and at the end of my commentary stint, he placed his hand on my knee with a reassuring tap.


And that was Jim, you could relax, he made you feel comfortable. Such qualities endeared him to the intimate medium of radio, and were one of many reasons why he was so popular with the listeners.

A distinctive voice, a natural enthusiasm for the game that has never waned, a voice of authority and respect - he never said things for effect, he was a voice that remained relevant.

One match stands out that says everything about Jimmy. It was October 28th, 2007 and Bolton Wanderers were at home. This was his return to the commentary box after his first battle with cancer. 

Armfield upon receiving a Special Merit Award from the PFA in April 2008

Armfield was a voice of authority, here he is with his Special Merit Award in 2008

We arrived at the same time and we collected our media accreditation. There was a letter for Jimmy - on Manchester United headed paper it read: 'Welcome back, Jimmy. We have missed you. Alex and Bobby.'

So it was from Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton and United were not even playing, it was Bolton versus Aston Villa!

He was moved by that gesture, it meant everything to him but he tucked the envelope into his jacket and didn't want to make a fuss about it on air.

He was a footballing great but he never wanted to be the centre of attention. He would arrive, always early with a little notebook in hand, with how he thought the two teams would line up. 

Blackpool legend Jimmy Armfield passed away at the age of 82 after a battle with cancer

Blackpool legend Jimmy Armfield passed away at the age of 82 after a battle with cancer

He didn't require anything else, the rest he knew and that's why he could speak with such authority because of his vast knowledge as a player and a manager.

I've kept in touch with Jimmy and the last 14 months have been horrendous for him but even then, not one to complain or moan, he was dignified as ever. He said: 'Football has kept me going.'

The last time we spoke was brief because he was struggling. He said: 'Thanks son, thanks for ringing.' Thank you Jimmy, it's been an honour.