TRIBUTES have been paid to Scottish sports broadcasting icon and famous Morton fan Arthur Montford, who passed away at his home in Milngavie on Tuesday aged 85.

Born in Glasgow on 25 May 1929, Mr Montford was raised in Greenock and was a well-known and passionate supporter of the Cappielow club.

His association with the Ton was a lifelong one, having attended his first match with close friend and current chairman Douglas Rae in 1942.

Morton was in Mr Montford’s blood, his connection stretching back to his great grandfather, William Montford, who served as secretary between 1899 and 1904.

Latterly, he was a member of the board and was also appointed honorary vice president.

On a professional level, the former Greenock Academy pupil was an acclaimed broadcast and print journalist who worked for a variety of media outlets between 1947 and his retirement in 1989.

He took the first steps of a distinguished career here at the Greenock Telegraph as a part-time reporter covering Greenock Cricket Club at Glenpark.

A call-up to the Army in 1947 saw him put his media career on hold before picking up where he left off with the Daily Record and The Evening Times upon his return from national service in Egypt.

Mr Montford made his progression into the world of radio in 1955 and spent a year at the BBC before the call came from Scottish Television (STV).

It was as the anchor of Scotsport that he became a household name.

His colourful commentary and seemingly ubiquitous Houndstooth sports jacket captured the imagination of supporters during a 32-year tenure that included over 2,000 broadcasts.

In May 2010, he received the Scottish Professional Footballers’ Association Special Merit award for his services to football broadcasting.

Over the course of his career, Mr Montford - Rector of Glasgow University from 1974 to 1977 - was the voice of world cups, Scotland internationals, and, on occasion, matches involving his beloved Morton.

He famously introduced the word ‘stramash’ to the footballing lexicon, a term so steeped into Scottish footballing culture that it was later used as the title of a book.

One personal highlight was commentating on Real Madrid’s 7-3 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the 1960 European Cup final at Hampden, a match considered one of the greatest of all time.

Writing in the Morton match programme in 2010, Mr Montford said: “What a gift to a commentator.

“A first hat-trick, highest score, first four-goal striker, four players sharing 10 goals, and a record attendance.

“When I look out at the modern Hampden I can still visualise the old North Stand. And I can still hear the cheers.” He also met and interviewed many icons and sporting greats such as George Best, Pele, Bobby Moore, Charlton Heston, Johnny Mathis, Jack Lemmon, Sir Alex Ferguson, Muhammad Ali, and Sugar Ray Robinson.

Like the stars he mixed with, he too was held in incredibly high esteem, which was evident as messages poured in from fans, friends and peers.

STV aired a tribute on current affairs programme Scotland Tonight in which Scotsport successors Jim White and Jim Delahunt paid testament to his influence on them as presenters.

Lifelong friend Mr Rae led the tributes, telling the Telegraph: “Arthur was a great friend, an outstanding friend.

“It was a lifelong friendship — we were at school together and were friends for around 70 years.

“When Arthur was married I was his best man and my wife was matron of honour. I went to my first Morton match with Arthur and we also played football together and a lot of golf together.

“We never had an argument on any subject at any time throughout our friendship, and that is unique.

“His aim in life was to become a reporter, which he of course achieved, and an outstanding reporter he was too.

“He was a gentleman and a very honest fellow. It is a big loss when we lose someone like that. It was a pleasure to have such a great friend.” Manager Jim Duffy added: “The club is deeply saddened by Arthur Montford’s passing and our thoughts go out to his family.

“He was a lifelong Morton fan and is someone who will be fondly remembered by everyone at the club.

“Arthur actually wrote me a letter and put it in a card to congratulate me on getting the manager’s job here and to wish me every success.

“I gave him a call and we had a good chat. I met him many times over the years and he was such a genuinely lovely man, a warm endearing man who was enjoyable company.

“Scottish football owes a huge debt to Arthur Montford for how he lifted the profile of the game in this country over many decades on Scotsport.

“He was a consummate professional and so respected and loved right throughout the game, and whatever is said about Arthur won’t be enough.”