SCOTTISH football is today mourning the death of broadcasting great, Greenock man and famous Morton fan Arthur Montford.

News of Arthur’s death emerged last night, following a spell of ill health.

He died at home at the age of 85.

Brought up in Greenock, Arthur went on to enjoy a remarkable and impressive career in sports journalism and he was synonymous with STV’s Scotsport show for decades.

He presented the programme an incredible 2,000-plus times from the late 1950s onwards.

His distinctive match commentaries were so unique and popular with generations of supporters that he was able to coin new words and phrases which entered the football lexicon, such as ‘stramash’ and ‘disaster for Scotland’.

Arthur was also Morton’s most famous fan, a lifelong and loyal supporter of the club.

He was a close friend of Ton chairman Douglas Rae, who appointed him as a director after he took over the club in 2001.

Arthur was later named as an honorary vice president at his beloved Cappielow. Tributes to Arthur have been pouring in from fans, the football world and media figures who looked up to him as an outstanding professional and well respected man.

A statement from Morton FC said: “It is with enormous sadness that we confirm the death of our honorary vice-president Arthur Montford, who died at home aged 85 having battled ill health for the last two years.” Morton also said they had passed the condolences of everyone connected with the club to Mr Montford’s family. A full obituary, including a tribute from the club, will appear in tomorrow’s Telegraph.