Roddy Forsyth Retires After 40 Years of Service with BBC Radio
Roddy Forsyth, the BBC Radio 5 Live correspondent, has announced his retirement after more than 40 years of service with the BBC. Forsyth has Parkinson’s disease and will be leaving after Scotland’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia on Tuesday.
Forsyth has been a part of the BBC since 1981 and has covered four World Cups and three European Championship finals with Scotland. He has also reported on five European finals featuring Scottish sides.
Forsyth’s Career Highlights
Forsyth has seen five final-day title deciders and was in Munich when the scoreboard briefly read Bayern Munich 0-1 Raith Rovers. His career highlights include the 1991 Scottish Cup final with Motherwell edging out Dundee United in a 4-3 thriller, and Rangers beating Leeds United home and away in 1992 in the Champions League. He also fondly remembers Scotland opening the 1998 World Cup against Brazil, with the Tartan Army marching along the Champs-Elysees and being applauded by the Parisians.
Forsyth’s Low Point
Forsyth’s low point was Gary McAllister’s missed penalty against England at Wembley during Euro 96, with Paul Gascoigne scoring the goal of the tournament soon after.
Farewell from BBC Scotland Sports Editor
Tom Connor, BBC Scotland sports editor, said Forsyth has “had a remarkable career”. He added: “He’s a brilliant communicator who has led audiences through the twists and turns of the game in Scotland for decades with his memorable commentaries and analyses. At BBC Scotland, we’re grateful for his many radio contributions and also the interviews he conducted so skilfully for the landmark television series, Only A Game. We wish him all the best.”
Conclusion
Forsyth has been a part of the BBC for more than 40 years and has covered some of the most memorable moments in Scottish football. He will be remembered for his skillful commentaries and interviews, as well as his dedication to the sport. We wish him all the best in his retirement.