Vote for Your Favorite Football Focus Moment as the Show Ends

Footballs' Beloved Institution Bids Farewell

It is the end of an era for Football Focus. This Sunday, as the longest-running football magazine show in the world comes to a close, it offers a chance for fans to relive and celebrate the highlights that made it a beloved institution.

Launched in 1974, Football Focus has been a lunchtime staple for football fans, providing insights, interviews, and stories that enriched our weekends. From analysis of games to stories off the pitch, the show has built a passionate audience and set a high bar for sports broadcasting. Now, as we approach its final episode, the BBC invites viewers to vote for their favorite moments from over the years.

To commemorate the farewell, BBC Sport has curated a list of unforgettable moments. Here's a closer look at some of the featured highlights:

Your Top Picks

• Clough's Tough Interview with Motty (March 1, 1979)

  In this classic interview, young John Motson faced the formidable Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough. It set a precedent for candid, sometimes confrontational, interviews that would characterize the show.

• Gascoigne Goes Fishing (February 13, 1988)

  Join Paul Gascoigne in Northumberland during a light-hearted moment where he shares laughs with the hosts while engaged in fishing—highlighting the playful side of one of football's most iconic figures.

• Bigger Goals for April Fools' Day (April 1, 1995)

  In a clever April Fools' prank, Football Focus visited Crystal Palace after announcing that goals would be made wider and taller. This segment showcased the show's knack for humor while engaging viewers.

• McGowan Impersonates Lawro (April 22, 2000)

  Subscriber humor reached new heights when impressionist Alistair McGowan humorously filled in for Mark Lawrenson, delighting fans with his spot-on impersonation.

• Football Focus Does the 'Mannequin Challenge' (November 12, 2016)

  Rewind to 2016 and partake in the viral 'mannequin challenge' that had caught the internet by storm, as the Football Focus team stood still like mannequins for an unforgettable opener.

• Gallagher Meets Balotelli (March 10, 2012)

  In a candid conversation with Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher, Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli dispels wild myths surrounding his character, providing an intimate look at the star.

• Shearer Sits Down with Haaland (August 6, 2022)

  The show welcomed Erling Haaland to discuss his journey and goalscoring prowess, showcasing Football Focus' commitment to engaging not just with football's past but also its present.

As I reflect on the legacy of Football Focus, it becomes evident how integral it has been to football culture in the UK. Its unique blend of informative content and approachable style has inspired countless fans and budding football journalists alike.

This new era will undoubtedly yield fresh programming and platforms, but it's essential to acknowledge the void left by Football Focus. Don't miss the chance to be a part of history—vote for your favorite moment at the end of this page.

Watch the final Football Focus this Sunday from 12:00 BST on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app.