Name: Tragedy as 'one-in-a-million' broadcaster George Andrews dies
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Tragedy as 'one-in-a-million' broadcaster George Andrews dies

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NewsThe commentator was a well-known voice to football fans across Stoke-on-Trentstokesentinel Tributes have poured in for 'legend' broadcaster George Andrews who sadly passed away this morning. Stoke City, Port Vale and Crewe Alex have all spoken of their sadness at the death of a man whose distinctive voice was well known to football fans across North Staffordshire and South Cheshire. A well-known figure in press boxes and pre-match conferences, George has been dubbed a true 'advocate' for local sport after spending more than 40 years championing the area. BBC Radio Stoke - where George worked in the 1980s and 1990s - says the much-loved commentator passed away in hospital this morning after a short illness. His death has triggered tributes from football clubs, former colleagues, and ex-managers who say he was 'one-in-a-million'. George, who turned 64 last year, had started his venture into broadcasting by filing pieces to BBC Radio Stoke from Stafford Rangers back in 1981. READ: Aspire 'sorry' for chopping down Stoke chef's tree without permission | He got home and entered his garden to find just a stump remained READ: Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire daily news blog | Up-to-the-minute local news, sport, weather and more throughout the day George's glorious career saw him commentate on the Old Firm, Merseyside, North East, all Midland, all London and East Anglian derbies, as well as El Classico. Last year he reported on the 5,000th game of his career. Commentator and broadcast journalist Simon Humphreys, who can now be heard on BBC Radio Stoke and Talk Sport, wrote on X: "Absolutely devastated to learn this morning of the death of my great friend George Andrews. He was 'one-in-a-million' a great character who always had time for anyone. A unique journalist and one who’ll never be forgotten. God bless your soul." In his youth George was a keen footballer and captained the South East Staffs Schools and courted interest from the likes of Shrewsbury Town and Chester City. He turned out for the reserves at Chester and then went to play in the Mid-Wales League. He then made the decision that rather than play on Saturdays he'd rather report on the action - which proved a great decision for all those who have enjoyed his commentary over the years. Along with having the gift to make listeners feel they were sat in the stands with him, George was well-regarded among his peers and would regularly offer help and advice to rookie reporters finding their way - courtesy of his incredible knowledge of sport in North Staffordshire. BBC Radio Stoke's Phil Bowers, who commentates on Port Vale, says George had the ability to light up any press box. Phil wrote on X: "George was a colourful character who brightened any press box he was in. He'll be missed." Fellow BBC broadcaster Robin Grey said George helped him when he was starting out. He said on X: "Devastated to hear about the sad passing of George Andrews. I owe so much to him, he was kind enough to champion me and have belief in me since I started back in the Knot FM studio in Hanley. Always on the end of the phone with advice and support. He was unforgettable." George dedicated around 40 years to championing local sport and football - regardless of where the club sat in the footballing pyramid. Former Stoke City boss Lou Macari says it was like George 'was born with a microphone in his hand'. The one-time Manchester United ace wrote on social media: "Such sad news about George Andrews this morning, a big-hearted man who was born with a microphone in his hand." As reported by StokeonTrentLive, former Potters player Mike Pejic said George would 'suddenly turn up' and sit with the coaches while they had a meeting. Sticking with his history with Stoke City and on one occasion he was 'kidnapped' by Neil ‘Nello’ Baldwin and left bound and gagged in the Victoria Ground laundry room while a Potteries derby he was supposed to be commentating on kicked off. Lou, who now supports homeless people across Stoke-on-Trent, added: "He loved football so much and was a familiar and popular face at grounds throughout the Potteries and beyond for more than 40 years. We had some great times, George." On the other side of the Potteries and ex-Port Vale boss Brian Horton also paid tribute on social media and wrote: "So sorry to hear about the passing of George Andrews. A top commentator and person. Love and prayers to his family, RIP, pal." Potteries-born squash ace Angela Smith, who previously reported on Stoke City on BBC Radio Stoke, wrote on social media: "I spent many an hour with him travelling to and from Stoke games. Everyone who knew him will have a tale to tell which will make you smile. Thoughts with his family and friends." Rob Palmer now commentates on La Liga for ESPN - but says George helped him when he was a rookie. He wrote on social media: "Heartbroken to hear broadcasting legend George Andrews has died. No visit to the Potteries was complete without bumping into 'The Hoffmeister Bear'. A mentor in my first job as a raw rookie in Stoke, a great source of info and fun ever since." Most recently George had been with HitMix 107.5FM. In a post today the station wrote: "It is with deep sadness and shock that we are informing you that George Andrews, one of our own, has passed away. "George, with his massive personality and astounding knowledge of sport, will be sadly missed by so many people. More so, by those of us who knew his quiet, shy and extremely kind side. "A great loss to everyone who knew George, and to the world in general. George was one of life's lovely, quirky, thoughtful souls. He spoke to and knew many legends, but George was 'THE' legend." Former Sentinel editor Martin Tideswell says they 'broke the mould' with George. He wrote on social media: "Incredibly sad news. George was an ever present during my time in journalism. Infectious enthusiasm. Ability to really wind up club staff. A real character. I’ll never forget him completely decked out in Vale colours at Wembley in ‘93. They broke the mould with George. RIP mate." Signal 1 also paid tribute to 'Georgie Boy'. The Shelton-based station wrote on social media: "We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our friend and colleague, George Andrews. The Georgie Boy was the voice of local sport for over 40 years and was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to George's family and friends." In an interview with StokeonTrentLive Stoke City reporter Pete Smith last year, George said he had no plans to retire. Recalling the unusual and funny situations he found himself in over the years George told Pete: "I wouldn’t have missed a minute - I have loved every single moment.” Football clubs pay tribute to 'broadcast legend' Stoke City: "All at Stoke City are saddened to learn of the passing of local media stalwart, George Andrews. A familiar voice to local football fans for more than 40 years, George will be sadly missed by all who knew him. "We send our condolences to George's wife, Christine, and all of his family and friends." Port Vale: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of broadcast legend, George Andrews. An ever-present figure in the Vale Park press box, George will be sadly missed by all. "We send our love and thoughts to George's wife, Christine and his family and friends. RIP George" Crewe Alex: "Everybody at Crewe Alexandra is saddened to hear of the passing of much loved broadcaster, George Andrews. A passionate advocate of all local sport over many years, he will be sadly missed. "Our thoughts are with George’s friends and family at this time. RIP George." Leek Town FC: "The Club is saddened to learn of the passing of local media stalwart, George Andrews. A familiar voice on the airways and regular visitor to Leek Town. We send our sincerest condolences to all George's family and friends." Hanley Town FC: "We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to George Andrews’s family with the sad news of his passing today. George was a fantastic supporter of all local football and especially Hanley Town Football Club. A great broadcaster but also a great man. Rest in peace George." How George started in broadcasting In an interview with Pete Smith last year, George said: "I got the opportunity to do part-time work with a guy called Roger Green who owned a Staffs news agency. On Saturdays I’d go to games with Roger to help and one afternoon he was ill. Chris Florence rang up from Radio Stoke asking where Roger was and I filed the team news instead. “Chris rang me over the weekend and I ended up covering Stafford home and away. Then when John Abberley left Radio Stoke, Nigel Johnson moved over to cover Stoke and there was an opening to cover Port Vale. I jumped at the chance and have never looked back.” That full article can be found here. Leave your tributes to George in the comments section here. 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NewsThe commentator was a well-known voice to football fans across Stoke-on-Trentstokesentinel Tributes have poured in for 'legend' broadcaster George Andrews who sadly passed away this morning. Stoke City, Port Vale and Crewe Alex have all spoken of their sadness at the death of a man whose distinctive voice was well known to football fans across North Staffordshire and South Cheshire. A well-known figure in press boxes and pre-match conferences, George has been dubbed a true 'advocate' for local sport after spending more than 40 years championing the area. BBC Radio Stoke - where George...

Tragedy as 'one-in-a-million' broadcaster George Andrews dies

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