Football Focus finale: Focus ends after 52 years

The final episode of Football Focus aired on Sunday, marking 52 years.

It was an emotional affair as long-time pundit Garth Crooks returned to focus, sitting down with Alex Scott to reflect on the show’s past and preview the final day of the Premier League.

The show’s first presenter Bob Wilson closed the show by saying: “All good things come to an end. Thanks to everyone at home for watching Football Focus for the last 52 years. We had a ball.”

Launched in 1974, Football Focus provides fans with full-game interviews, analysis and stories every lunchtime before the start of the weekend’s games.

The world’s longest-running magazine show began with a tribute to the show, with its former presenters sharing their favorite memories over the decades.

The program’s old branding was used throughout in keeping with its history.

Crooks concluded the event by presenting Scott with a photo of himself and Bob Wilson on behalf of the “Football Focus family”.

Before handing over to Wilson, an emotional Scot said: “For 52 years, this show has done one thing. Week in, week out, it’s brought football to your Saturday afternoon. Whether it’s Bob Wilson or any of the luminaries who have sat in this chair, the one thing that has never changed is you – the fans.

“I’m not going to pretend it’s not hard. What I do know is, football doesn’t stop, the stories don’t stop. The goals, the drama, the heartbreak, the magic, none of it stops. It just finds a new home.

“From everyone who works at Football Focus, thank you. Thank you for making Saturday lunchtime something worth looking forward to. It’s an honor.”