John Gwynne dead aged 77 – Darts commentator and Soccer Saturday legend dies after battle with cancer
RIP John #RIPJohn
LEGENDARY darts commentator and Soccer Saturday presenter John Gywnne has died.
The star, 77, had been diagnosed with cancer.
3
Legendary darts commentator John Gwynne has died aged 77Credit: Twitter 
3
The presenter was also regular match reporter on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday and also covered cricket, rugby league and speedwayCredit: Alamy
Tributes are now pouring in for Gwynne, who also presented for rugby league, cricket and speedway during his lengthy career.
His son, Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, said: “It is with deep sadness that I have to post that my beautiful father passed away this morning at 8.05am.
“His 18-month long battle with cancer is now finally over.”
He shared a photo of his father’s hand in his in the moving post on Twitter.
Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling said: “One of the greatest broadcasting voices has been silenced with the passing of my wonderful friend and colleague John Gwynne.
“Whether at the Etihad or Spotland, he made every game special with his gravitas, humour and passion.
“Soccer Saturday will never be quite the same.”
Matt Porter, chief executive of the Professional Darts Corporation, said: “John was a respected and popular figure in darts and across sports media and this is a sad time for all who knew him.
“As part of the original Sky Sports commentary team alongside Sid Waddell and Dave Lanning, John’s distinctive voice was part of the soundtrack to the PDC’s formative years and they formed an iconic trio.
“John was hugely passionate about the sport of darts and made a great contribution at all levels during his career.
“We send our condolences and sympathies to John’s family and friends.”
Pro James Wade said: “Very sad news this morning to hear the passing of John Gwynne.
“Such a gentleman. Sending all our thoughts to his family and friends.”
Bobby George said it was a “very sad day”.
“We had some laughs mate. Deepest sympathy go out to your family and friends,” he added.
Sky Sports’ David Croft said: “John’s enthusiasm and energy breathed so much life into every commentary and report.
He made every game special with his gravitas, humour and passion… Soccer Saturday will never be the same
Jeff Stelling
“RIP John Gwynne, it was truly a pleasure to have known you and such a pleasure to listen to you.”
Cricket hero Graeme Swann said: “So sad at the passing of John Gwynne, who was a giant of a voice on TV as a I grew up, and a genuinely lovely man.”
Gwynne was part of the Sky Sports darts commentary team for two decades. He joined after working as a school teacher.
He covered the WDC’s first World Championship in 1993.
In 2013, he announced his retirement after covering 20 World Championships and 20 World Matchplays.
He was inducted into the PDC’s Hall of Fame in 2014.
3
Gwynne’s son, Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, announced his father’s death this morningCredit: Twitter