Tributes have been paid to broadcaster George Andrews who died aged 64, on Friday morning after a short illness, his family said.
Affectionately known as Georgie Boy, he was well-known across Staffordshire for his football commentary.
George joined BBC Radio Stoke in the early 1980s, reporting on Stafford Rangers, before going on to cover Port Vale matches.
He joined Signal Radio at its launch in 1983 and was still working for Signal 1 and Greatest Hits Radio attending games and press conferences.
For the last two years, George was also Head of Sport at the Alsagers Bank based station, The Hitmix 107.5. His career spanned more than 40 years and saw him cover over 5000 games.
Long time colleague and friend Andy Jones, who worked with George at Signal 1 and also joined The Hitmix when George bacame Head of Sport, said: “To hear the news shocked me to the core to know that the man I look up to and loved so much will not be walking into the studio any more and chatting to me on a daily basis.
“George has left a void in my heart and also in the world of sport and radio that can never be filled. He was a very special man. Keep the Faith Georgie Boy.”
We’re saddened to hear the news that the local sports journalist George Andrews has died.
He passed away in hospital this morning after a short illness.
George worked for BBC Radio Stoke throughout the 1980s and 1990s as well as other local radio stations in Staffordshire and… pic.twitter.com/MedTuYDu7m
— BBC Radio Stoke (@BBCRadioStoke) October 6, 2023
All at Stoke City are saddened to learn of the passing of local media stalwart, George Andrews.
A familiar voice to local football fans for more than 40 years, George will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
We send our condolences to George’s wife, Christine, and all of his… pic.twitter.com/b1hgm0UMNh
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) October 6, 2023
We are saddened to learn of the passing of broadcast legend, George Andrews.
An ever-present figure in the Vale Park press box, George will be sadly missed by all.
We send our love and thoughts to George’s wife, Christine and his family and friends.
RIP George
pic.twitter.com/qpzJqIwDv3
— Port Vale FC (@OfficialPVFC) October 6, 2023
Tributes are being paid to our friend and colleague George Andrews who passed away in the early hours of this morning.
Read some of the tributes to the broadcaster here: https://t.co/rgDdbbQr7shttps://t.co/rgDdbbQr7s
— Signal 1 (@Signal1Official) October 6, 2023
It is with deep sadness and shock that we share the dreadful news that GEORGE ANDREWS has passed away. Anyone who loves sport will know George – an incredible personality with an incomparable knowledge of sport. And a beautiful soul. Indeed a legend.
pic.twitter.com/7Y1chkZfVc
— The Hitmix 107.5 FM (@thehitmix) October 6, 2023
This story first appeared on radiotoday.co.uk