Saying goodbye to Football Focus after 52 years

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Saying goodbye to Football Focus after 52 years Figure caption, Flubbed lines, impressionists and Tom Jones - Football Focus memoriesByAdam MillingtonBBC Sport journalistPublished24 May 2026, 13:36 BSTUpdated 38 minutes agoThe final episode of Football Focus was broadcast on Sunday, bringing to an end 52 years on the air. It was an emotional episode as long-time pundit Garth Crooks returned to Focus, sitting alongside Alex Scott to reflect on the show's past and preview the final day of the Premier League season. Bob Wilson, the show's first presenter, closed out the programme by saying: "All good things come to an end.

Thank you to all of you at home for watching Football Focus for the last 52 years. "Launched in 1974, Football Focus provided fans with interviews, analysis and stories from across the game every lunchtime before the weekend's fixtures begin. The longest-running magazine show in the world began with a tribute to the programme, with its former presenters sharing their favourite memories from across the decades.

The Details

The programme's old branding was used throughout in a nod to its history. Crooks ended the show by presenting Scott with a picture of herself and Bob Wilson, on behalf of the "Football Focus family". Before handing over to Wilson, an emotional Scott said: "For 52 years, this show has done one thing.

Week in, week out, it has brought football into your Saturday afternoons. Whether it was Bob Wilson or any of the brilliant people who sat in this chair after him, the thing that never changed was you - the fans. "I won't pretend this isn't hard.

What I know is, the football doesn't stop, the stories don't stop. The goals, the drama, the heartbreak, the magic, none of that stops. It just finds a new home.

What Experts Say

"From everyone who has ever worked on Football Focus, thank you. Thank you for making Saturday lunchtime something to look forward to. It has been an honour.

"Watch the final episode of Football Focus on iPlayer From impressionists to Tom Jones - Football Focus memoriesHosts, commentators and pundits who have been involved with Football Focus over the years shared their favourite memories of the show:Bob Wilson: "I do remember the day when I got my words a little mixed up. You're doing it off the top of the head. I was supposed to say that we had just heard that Joe Jordan had passed a late fitness test and instead I looked at the camera and said 'we have just heard that Joe Jordan has just pissed a late fatness test'.

"After my footballing career I never really thought I would get to spend the amount of time bringing to people the stories of the week, the latest news, the latest great players. There was so much involved in it and incredible memories from day one to the very last day. "Ray Stubbs: "Lawro had to miss a programme because he was ill.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.