Tragic death of ‘one-in-a-million’ broadcaster George Andrews
The announcer was a familiar voice to Stoke-on-Trent football fans.
Tributes have been pouring in for ‘legend’ broadcaster George Andrews, who died this morning. Stoke City, Port Vale, and Crewe Alex have all expressed their sorrow over the death of a man whose distinct voice was well known to football fans throughout North Staffordshire and South Cheshire.
George, a well-known presence in press boxes and pre-match conferences, has been termed a true ‘advocate’ for local sport after advocating the area for more than 40 years. George died in hospital this morning after a brief illness, according to BBC Radio Stoke, where he worked in the 1980s and 1990s.
His passing has prompted tributes from football clubs, past teammates, and ex-managers who believe he was a ‘one-in-a-million’ player. George, who turned 64 last year, began his radio career in 1981 by filing items to BBC Radio Stoke from Stafford Rangers.
During his illustrious career, George called the Old Firm, Merseyside, North East, all Midland, all London, and East Anglian derbies, as well as El Classico. He reported on the 5,000th game of his career last year.
“Absolutely devastated to learn this morning of the death of my great friend George Andrews,” said commentator and broadcast journalist Simon Humphreys, who can now be heard on BBC Radio Stoke and Talk Sport. He was a ‘one-in-a-million’ kind of guy who always had time for everyone. A one-of-a-kind journalist who will never be forgotten. God bless you and your soul.”
George was a keen footballer in his youth, captaining the South East Staffs Schools and attracting interest from clubs such as Shrewsbury Town and Chester City. He played for Chester’s reserves before moving on to the Mid-Wales League.
He then decided that instead of playing on Saturdays, he’d rather report on the action, which proved to be a wise move for all those who have loved his commentary over the years. Along with having the ability to make listeners feel as if they were sitting in the stands with him, George was well-regarded among his peers and would routinely offer support and guidance to rookie reporters finding their way in North Staffordshire – because of his remarkable knowledge of sport in the county.
Phil Bowers of BBC Radio Stoke, who commentates on Port Vale, believes George has the power to light up any press box. “George was a colorful character who brightened any press box he was in,” Phil commented on X. He will be greatly missed.”
Fellow BBC broadcaster Robin Grey stated that George was instrumental in his early career. “Devastated to hear about the sad passing of George Andrews,” he said on X. I owe him so much; he was gracious enough to champion me and believe in me since I first started in the Knot FM studio in Hanley. Always available by phone for help and support. He left an indelible impression.”
George spent nearly 40 years pushing local sport and football, regardless of the club’s position in the footballing pyramid.
Former Stoke City manager Lou Macari claims George ‘was born with a microphone in his hand’. On social media, the former Manchester United star said, “Such sad news about George Andrews this morning, a big-hearted man who was born with a microphone in his hand.”
Former Potters player Mike Pejic told StokeonTrentLive that George would’suddenly turn up’ and sit with the coaches during a meeting. Continuing with his Stoke City past, he was once ‘kidnapped’ by Neil ‘Nello’ Baldwin and left bound and gagged in the Victoria Ground laundry area while a Potteries derby he was supposed to be commentating on kicked off.
“He loved football so much and was a familiar and popular face at grounds throughout the Potteries and beyond for more than 40 years,” Lou, who now aids homeless people across Stoke-on-Trent, added. We had a lot of fun, George.”
On the other side of the Potteries, ex-Port Vale manager Brian Horton paid tribute on social media, writing: “So sorry to hear about George Andrews’ passing.” A fantastic commentator and person. RIP, buddy, with love and prayers to his family.”
Squash ace born in the Potteries “I spent many an hour with him traveling to and from Stoke games,” Angela Smith, who previously reported on Stoke City for BBC Radio Stoke, commented on social media. Everyone who knew him will have a story that will make you laugh. “Thoughts go out to his family and friends.”
Rob Palmer now works as an ESPN La Liga analyst, but he thinks George helped him when he was a rookie. “Heartbroken to hear broadcasting legend George Andrews has died,” he tweeted on social media. No visit to the Potteries was complete without bumping upon ‘The Hoffmeister Bear’. A mentor at my first work in Stoke as a raw beginner, and a tremendous source of information and pleasure ever since.”
George was most recently at HitMix 107.5FM. “It is with deep sadness and shock that we inform you that George Andrews, one of our own, has passed away,” the station wrote in a message today.
“With his massive personality and incredible knowledge of sport, George will be sadly missed by so many people.” Those of us who knew his quiet, introverted, and immensely gentle side, even more so.
“A great loss for everyone who knew George and the rest of the world.” George was a wonderful, eccentric, and caring soul. He met and chatted with numerous 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.”
Stoke City pays tribute to ‘broadcast great’ George Andrews: “All at Stoke City are saddened to learn of the passing of local media stalwart, George Andrews.” George, a known voice to local football fans for over 40 years, will be sorely missed by those who knew him.
“We send our condolences to George’s wife, Christine, and all of his family and friends.”
“We are saddened to learn of the death of broadcast legend George Andrews,” said Port Vale. George, who was a constant presence in the Vale Park press box, will be sorely missed by all.
“Our hearts go out to George’s wife, Christine, as well as his family and friends.” George, rest in peace.”
“Everyone at Crewe Alexandra is saddened to learn of the death of much-loved broadcaster George Andrews.” He was a long-time supporter of all local sports and will be sorely missed.
“At this time, our thoughts are with George’s friends and family.” George, rest in peace.”
“The Club is saddened to learn of the passing of local media stalwart, George Andrews,” said Leek Town FC. A well-known voice on the airwaves and frequent visitor to Leek Town. We express our heartfelt sympathies to George’s family and friends.”
“With the sad news of George Andrews’s passing today, we would like to express our heartfelt condolences to his family.” George was an ardent supporter of all local football, particularly Hanley Town Football Club. A terrific broadcaster as well as a great man. George, rest in peace.”
“We are deeply saddened to learn of George Andrews’ passing,” said Newcastle Town FC. George was a fantastic broadcaster and a highly accomplished sports journalist who was well-known on league and non-league football grounds alike.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family at this difficult time.”
How George got his start in broadcasting
Last year, George told Pete Smith, “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 accompany Roger to games to assist him, and one day he became ill. Chris Florence from Radio Stoke called to enquire where Roger was, so I filed the team news instead.
“Over the weekend, Chris called, and I ended up covering Stafford at home and away.” When John Abberley departed Radio Stoke, Nigel Johnson went over to cover Stoke, and an opening for Port Vale arose. I seized the opportunity and have never looked back.”
