Brighton & Hove Albion are deeply saddened to hear news of the passing of broadcaster and lifelong fan Peter Brackley, aged 67.
Peter’s passing was confirmed on Sunday, and he will be remembered as having one of the most recognisable voices on radio and television.
Albion chief executive Paul Barber commented, “So many of us here at the club knew Peter well. He was a hugely talented, knowledgable, funny and, above all else, a good man. We will miss him. Our condolences go out to Peter’s family, including our colleague and his nephew Paul, and all of his many friends”.
Brackley began his career on the radio with BBC Radio Brighton in the 1970s, before making the switch to television and taking up a role with ITV.
It was at ITV where he began covering some of the biggest football events, including the 1984 European Championships, the 1986 European Cup Final between Steaua Bucharest and Barcelona, along with the 1986 FIFA World Cup finals.
He continued to work at the biggest football events after moving over to BSkyB in the late 1980s, and covered the 1990 FIFA World Cup for then BSkyB-owned channel Eurosport.
He then took arguably the role for which he is best known, when he began commentating on Channel 4’s brand new Football Italia show throughout the 1990s, working alongside the likes of the late Ray Wilkins, James Richardson and Luther Blissett.
The legendary broadcaster returned to ITV, which coincided with his work for Channel 4, and he featured at another four World Cups between 1994 and 2006, as well as the 1996 and 2000 European Championships.
Throughout the 1990s he featured on the Saint and Greavsie TV show and, a great impressionist, he often provided voice for the satirical current affairs show Spitting Image.
During the latter years of his life, Peter became well known for his work with Albion in the Community, and helped to organise The Goldstone Days 20 Years On! show at the Theatre Royal, alongside Guy Butters.
Not only did it raise funds for AITC, the show also gave Peter the platform to demonstrate both his acting and comic abilities on a memorable evening at the Theatre Royal in front of many hundred Albion fans.
The club would like to pass on its sincere condolences to Peter’s family and friends at this very difficult time.