Nigel Johnson, a former BBC Radio Stoke commentator, has become the first non-athlete to be inducted into Stoke-on-Trent's Sporting Hall of Fame. Johnson was among seven inductees honoured on Friday, joining sporting legends including darts player Phil 'The Power' Taylor, footballers Sir Stanley Matthews CBE and Gordon Banks OBE, and strongman Eddie Hall.
Johnson began his broadcasting career in 1969, a year after BBC Radio Stoke was founded, submitting reports on local league cricket while still working as a teacher. He started covering football in 1970 and went on to commentate on more than 2,500 matches, earning the nickname "The Voice of Stoke City". He worked at BBC Radio Stoke for 54 years.
Speaking before the ceremony, Johnson described himself as "a bit of an infiltrator" to the sporting list after not playing a sport professionally. In his speech after receiving the award he said: "I wasn't the professional playing the game, but I hope I was the professional describing the game."
Other inductees
The other six inductees were Ju Jitsu world champion Tara Bundred, grassroots football volunteer Clive Dean, and Garry Hall MBE, a former British Taekwondo champion and performance director. World duathlon champion David Juggins, England disability cricketer Kieron McKinney, and Neil McPherson, a PE teacher from Longton recognised for outstanding contribution and service to sport, were also honoured.
Lord Mayor Joan Bell said the inductees have given their talent and commitment to sport both locally and on the international stage. "We are proud to honour them all with a place in this esteemed list of sporting stars," she said.
Matt Sandoz, BBC Radio Stoke Sports Editor, said: "Everyone in the Potteries and Press Boxes up and down the country knows and values Nige's contributions. His gift for describing the action will forever be a benchmark for those venturing into a career at BBC Radio Stoke Sport".