Happy Retirement, Albert

Inevitably, the end of another season sees the retirement of some of the games’ familiar names. Amongst those this year is one of the doyens of football statisticians - the BBC’s Albert Sewell.Inevitably, the end of another season sees the retirement of some of the games’ familiar names. Amongst those this year is one of the doyens of football statisticians - the BBC’s Albert Sewell.

Albert became known to a wider audience when he was regularly referred to as ‘Our man Albert’ during Des Lynam’s stint as the presenter of Match of the Day.

His association with the BBC dates back to 1968 when, as well as MotD, he also worked on Football Preview which was the forerunner of Football Focus.

Born in 1927, having left school at the age of 16, Albert’s first job was a messenger for the Daily Sketch’s sports desk. He went on to join the Press Association as a trainee journalist after the war.

Albert was the editor of Chelsea’s matchday programme from 1949 and 1978. Other work for Chelsea included their 1955 Yearbook which celebrated their only previous championship title season.

Formerly the co-editor of the News of the World Football Annual, it is his 37-year association with Match of the Day that truly reflects his dedication and expertise.

Speaking to the MotD web site, amiable Albert explained: “My role is to back up the commentators and presenters and make them even better. So I closely check their scripts and pick up on any mistakes.

“I also supply notes with facts and figures about every Premiership game, team, players, managers, records and so on.”

It would seem that Albert won’t be dispensing with his trusty typewriter just yet though. Commentator John Motson remarked: “For 30 years now, every week I’ve received Albert’s notes - six pages of editorial gold dust. What am I going to do without them?

“I’m going to approach Albert secretly and ask him to go on doing them, just for me!

On behalf of the AFS members, we would like to wish Albert a long and happy retirement.