LEGENDARY Scottish football commentator Arthur Montford has died aged 85.

He was a pioneer in television sports presenting and anchored STV's Scotsport programme for 32 years.

The Greenock-born journalist started out as an office boy on the Glasgow Evening News, before joining Scottish Television in August 1957 as a continuity announcer.

He became famous for his vibrant sports jackets and his commentating style which included the now legendary phrase "what a stramash!"

He hosted more than 2000 editions of Scotsport.

After retiring he remained active on the Scottish football scene as a director of his beloved Morton. Around 14 years ago he narrated the film documentary Scotland: The World Cup Story.

In 2010, Mr Montford, whose father Sid was a journalist, received the SPFA Special Merit award for his services to football broad-casting and journalism.

He credited his father's influence saying: "My father told me that no matter how poor the game was, whether you were writing it, describing it on radio, or commentating on it, you must look for something worthwhile to talk about and do not be negative."

Allan McGraw, former player and manager at Greenock Morton, said he was "a gentleman and a great friend".

Mr McGraw said: "He helped me a lot as a player, but even more so as a manager. He was highly respected. Scottish football has lost a giant."

Mr Montford was a director of Morton until 2007, and was the club's Honorary Vice-President.

From 1974 to 1977 he served as Rector of Glasgow University of Glasgow.

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