Tributes pour in for Birmingham sports broadcaster Tony Butler, who died at the age of 88

Several people shared their tributes for beloved Birmingham sports broadcaster Tony Butler, who died at the age of 88.

The BBC said that Butler was widely credited for “inventing the radio football phone-in in England” and was a “pioneer”. He used to work in one of the first commercial stations in the UK in Birmingham’s BRMB in the 1970s and later at the BBC.

Tributes have flowed in for the pioneer and this is how Brummies responded to the loss.

Former BBC WM presenter Jenny Wilkes said: “ So sad to share the news that radio legend Tony Butler has passed away. He died peacefully in his sleep on Friday afternoon at the age of 88. I first worked with Tony in 1982 at BRMB, twiddling the knobs for his Saturday Sports Show and then later @bbcwm. A true radio legend.”

Daz Hale, Host of the BBC Radio WM Football Phone-In, said: “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!”

Sports commentator Jim Rosenthal said: “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”

West Midlands media professional Lyle Bignon said: “RIP Tony Butler. My thoughts are with his family, friends and former colleagues. Sports radio has lost one of the best. The voice of Blues coverage for so many on BRMB, WM, Xtra AM in the 80s/90s. A real don with a brilliant wit and encyclopaedic knowledge of football.”

One Twitter user said: “Very sad news. The football phone on was part of my childhood and very much looked forward to it on the weekend. Rest in peace Tony.”

Another added: “Birmingham’s voice of football ... Tony Butler BRMB News! Knowledgeable and with a midlands humour that we all understood on the way home from the Saturday match. Prayers and good thoughts for your family and friends. RIP.”

Another person shared their childhood memories of him, saying: “A Birmingham legend. Happy memories of listening to Tony as my dad drove us home from Villa Park on Saturday afternoons all those years ago. Such fun. RIP friend.”