West Midlands broadcasting legend Tony Butler has reportedly passed away at the age of 88. May his soul rest in peace.
‘During a career spanning 50 years
The late Tony was probably best known for inventing the Football Phone-In during his career of 50 years. The legend will be greatly missed by his loved ones and family. May they be strengthened to bear the lost.’
Tony Butler Obituary News, Cause Of Death
Different people have come out to pay their last tribute to the legend, one of which includes, VM’s Daz Hale stated that: ‘So sad to hear about the passing of Tony Butler. This is the man who , back in the 1970’s , INVENTED the Football Phone In. A great broadcaster who became a great friend . Rest in Peace Tone . Okay? Okay !’
Former England coach Vince Bartram wrote: ‘Sad to hear that Tony Butler has died. Any football fan from the Midlands in the 80’s/90’s would know his voice so well. The original football phone in and I remember as a young lad ringing in to talk about the Albion either on a Friday evening or after the game on a Saturday.’
Sports commentator Jim Rosenthal added: ‘Tony Butler…I was at BBC Radio Birmingham when Tony started at BRMB…’What are you going to do’ ? I asked him. ‘I’ll be totally different’ he replied. And he was. A brilliant innovator. RIP Tony.’
Butler was honoured with Sony Radio Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. as he began his journalistic career in local papers in Birmingham before moving to the BBC for national and regional radio in the 1960s and retired in 2012.
He was indeed a great man, whose legacy will live on. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones and family, may they be strengthened to bear the lost. May his soul rest in peace. Please feel free to send in your condolences.