John Motson has been voted the greatest football commentator of all time.
The voice behind such classic lines as “the Crazy Gang has beaten the Culture Club” and “oh, this is getting better and better and better” beat Brian Moore and David Coleman to the top spot.
Motty - who was much-loved for his sheepskin coat and encyclopedic knowledge of the game - passed away earlier this year.
But the poll of 2,000 football fans voted the words of another legendary commentator as the 'most iconic' of all time.
“Some people are on the pitch, they think it’s all over, it is now!” - the utterings of Kenneth Wolstenholme during England’s 1966 World Cup win - came top.
The research was commissioned by CopyBet.com, which has also created an online quiz to test your knowledge of football punditry.
A spokesperson said: "We've been blessed with some amazing commentators over the years and sadly we’ve lost some of the greats in recent years.
“For many of us, our memories of particular moments are likely entwined with the lines of commentary.
“It’s hard not to think of that winning goal from Aguero and not hear the words of Martin Tyler or England winning the World Cup and not hear “they think it’s all over…””
Other popular commentators among those polled include Barry Davies, Clive Tyldesley, and Martin Tyler.
And it’s the latter who gave us the second most iconic line in the commentary box – when Sergio Aguero scored an extra time winner to secure Manchester City the Premier League title in 2012.
And that particular line is, of course, “Agueroooooooooooooooo!!!!”.
Third spot went to Bjørge Lillelien’s “Maggie Thatcher your boys took a hell of a beating” from Norway’s infamous 1981 win over England.
In addition to determining the most iconic commentator, the research also gave fans the chance to vote on who would join John Motson in their dream broadcast team line-up.
The pundits would feature Premier League legends, Alan Shearer, Ian Wright, and Roy Keane - with Gary Neville, Ally McCoist, and Alan Hansen among those not making the starting line-up.
And the preferred presenter would be Gary Lineker after he secured more votes than Jeff Stelling and Des Lynam - who came second and third respectively.
Top qualities that make up an entertaining presenter
The study also revealed what characteristics make for a winning commentator, entertaining pundit, and a game changing presenter.
For commentators, player knowledge (33 per cent), impartiality (26 per cent), and the ability to create an engaging narrative (24 per cent) are important.
With pundits, having a solid understanding of the game (36 per cent) is key, as is not being afraid to disagree with colleagues (28 per cent), and an unbiased approach (26 per cent).
When it comes to presenters, knowledge (59 per cent) also appeals to viewers, followed by an ability to keep conversation flowing (38 per cent) and good banter (36 per cent).
And the topics fans especially enjoy their favourite experts discussing include controversial decisions (32 per cent), analysis of individual players (25 per cent), and good attacking moments (22 per cent).
Part of their fondness for particular pundits, presenters, and commentators also appear to be due to familiarity – 62 per cent said watching or listening to coverage is like spending time with mates.
While 62 per cent also said their favourite football broadcasters takes their mind off worries they might have.
On average, those polled listen to two hours and seven minutes of football coverage on the radio a week and watch three hours 28 minutes on TV.
Their top three favourite shows are BBC’s Match of the Day, Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, and the soon to be departed, Soccer AM - also a Sky Sports show.
And the study carried out through OnePoll, found the most popular broadcast network for football fans is Sky Sports, followed by the BBC, and BT.
A spokesperson for CopyBet.com added: "Football coverage has evolved quite significantly over the years.
“It’s much more in-depth and detailed in the modern era – especially among networks which are able to air hours of matches and analysis.
“And while that’s enhanced the viewer experience, one constant has been the personalities involved and the chemistry particular pundits, presenters, and commentators have with one another.”
Top 10 - Most iconic lines of commentary
1. “Some people are on the pitch, they think it’s all over, it is now!” (Kenneth Wolstenholme – England vs West Germany 1966 World Cup Final)
2. “Manchester City are still alive here. Balotelli…Agueroooooooooooooooo!!!! I swear you’ll never see anything like this ever again!” (Martin Tyler – Manchester City vs QPR 2012)
3. “Maggie Thatcher your boys took a hell of a beating” (Bjørge Lillelien – Norway vs England 1981)
4. “Is Gascoigne going to have a crack? He is you know. Oh, I say! Brilliant! That is schoolboys own stuff!” (Barry Davies – Arsenal vs Spurs 1991 FA Cup semi-finals)
5. “The Crazy Gang has beaten the Culture Club” (John Motson – Wimbledon vs Liverpool 1986 FA Cup final)
6. “What a save, what a save! Gordon Banks!” (David Coleman – England vs Brazil 1970 World Cup)
7. “And Solskjaer has won it!” (Clive Tyldesley – Manchester United vs Bayern Munich 1999 Champions League Final)
8. “Oh, this is getting better and better and better. One, two, three for Michael Owen!” (John Motson – England vs Germany 2001)
9. “Oh you beauty! What a hit, son! What a hit!” (Andy Gray – Liverpool vs Olympiacos 2005 Champions League)
10. “Roma have risen from their ruins! Manolas, the Greek God in Rome! The unthinkable unfolds before our eyes! This was not meant to happen! This could not happen! THIS IS HAPPENING!” (Peter Drury – Roma vs Barcelona 2018 Champions League quarter final)
Top 5 best commentators
1. John Motson - 32 per cent
2. Brian Moore - 14 per cent
3. David Coleman - 13 per cent
4. Clive Tyldesley - 11 per cent
5. Martin Tyler - 11 per cent
Top 5 best presenters
1. Gary Lineker - 34 per cent
2. Jeff Stelling - 24 per cent
3. Des Lynam - 21 per cent
4. Jimmy Greaves - 13 per cent
5. Brian Moore - 12 per cent
Top 5 best pundits
1. Alan Shearer - 16 per cent
2. Ian Wright - 16 per cent
3. Roy Keane - 14 per cent
4. Gary Neville - 14 per cent
5. Ally McCoist - 12 per cent
