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John 'Willo' Williams retires after 23 years

A man looks into the camera with a serious expression. He has is wearing headphones and around his neck is a navy blue lanyward with the BBC logo on it in white. In his right hand he is holding a radio microphone. Behind him are rows of stadium chairs in the upright position.

Curtis Lancaster

BBC News

Long-serving football summariser John Williams has delivered his last commentary after 23 years on the mic.

The 64-year-old took to the airwaves on BBC Radio Solent for his beloved AFC Bournemouth's final game of the season at home to Leicester City.

The Cherries won the game 2-0, thanks to goals from Antoine Semenyo.

Their former player, affectionately known as "Willo" by teammates, fans and colleagues alike, signed off by thanking the fans and his workmates and described it as "the quickest 23 years of my life".

"Bournemouth supporters, thank you so much," he said.

Williams said it was not always easy sitting in the commentary box and that he found it difficult to not put a positive spin on the team he loved.

"People have said to me over the seasons 'you're biased', I can't help it, I am biased," he said.

Tributes poured in for the veteran commentator from fans and colleagues past and present, including Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, who played under Williams at Bournemouth and remains a very good friend to him.

"He's always been there and he's such a dependable person," Howe said.

He added: "I think he's given so much back to the people of Bournemouth with his commentary, laughter most importantly, everyone needs laughter in their lives so a big thank you to everyone who has supported Willo over the years and what a job he's done."

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In a special show on BBC Radio Solent, Williams visited the Vitality Stadium's changing rooms and reflected on his career.

Born in Liverpool, he grew up as a loyal Everton fan and began his playing career as central defender at Tranmere in 1979.

He moved to Port Vale in 1985 caught the eye of AFC Bournemouth's then manager Harry Redknapp down on the south coast of England in 1986.

"He was a great pro, great lad around the place, just a fantastic character, I absolutely loved him he really was special," said Redknapp.

Reflecting on that time, Redknapp added: "Whenever John played, we never got beat that season."

In his first term with the Cherries, Williams helped the side to secure promotion from the Football League Third Division.

Injury forced him to retire from football in the early 90s, before working as their community development officer and later assistant manager.

He also had a brief stint as the team's caretaker manager in August 1994, between the terms of Tony Pulis and Mel Machin.

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