[ Thanks, Johnners An Affectionate Tribute To A Broadcasting Legend ] By Agnew, Jonathan ( Author ) Jul-2011 [ Paperback ] Thanks, Johnners An Affectionate Tribute to a Broadcasting Legend

by Jonathan Agnew

Perfect for cricket fans everywhere, Thanks Johnners is a warm and witty tribute to Brian Johnston and his time at the helm of Test Match Special. The Test Match Special on-air incident, in which Jonathan Agnew's comment on Ian Botham's attempt to avoid stepping on his stumps - "He just couldn't quite get his leg over" provoking prolonged fits of giggles, most notably from Brian Johnston, has been voted the greatest piece of sporting commentary ever. The friendship between "Aggers" and "Johnners" became immortalised through that broadcasting classic, but there was a far deeper bond between the two men, as this fascinating book reveals. Jonathan Agnew had grown up to the sound of Johnston, Arlott, and a young Martin-Jenkins et al on TMS as he followed his father around on the family farm, ear glued to the transistor radio, but the two men met formally only when Agnew joined the BBC team at Headingley in 1991. Thus began a great working partnership which, fuelled by a mutual passion for the noble game, bridged the generation gap and ended only with Johnston's sudden death in 1994. As this book demonstrates so convincingly, Johnners's wit, warmth and sense of fun was a feature not only of his cricket commentaries, but also in the way he lived his life. His influence on "Aggers" is clearly recognisable in the same amiable and informal manner in which his successor presents Test Match Special today. Thanks, Johnners is a rich blend of biography and anecdote, of antics and dramas on and off the pitch, in and out of the commentary box, its pages filled with stories about the great names of cricket including Fred Trueman, Geoffrey Boycott, Vivian Richards, Michael Holding and Ian Botham. Just as TMS is the sound of summer, so Thanks, Johnners is the fresh breeze rippling the long grass of remembered pleasures.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook, British Literature

Paperback

First published October 14, 2010

Reviews

[Dipra Lahiri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A glorious tribute to one of the masters of cricket broadcasting, Brian Johnston, from a first-rate pupil. Aggers's love for the game, and the hallowed traditions of Test Match Special on the BBC, shine through.

[David Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a winner all the way for anyone who loves cricket and listens to Test Match Special.

Jonathan Agnew ("Aggers") writes simply and lovingly about the unforgettable Brian Johnston. There's also comment about the game itself and the way Aggers sees the future. At the time of writing he didn't know there'd be yet another format for the game with The Hundred. With so much demanded of our cricketers it's no wonder that so many of our players are injured or mentally exhausted.

There's a lovely note from Stephen Fry too.

I read this in audio while reading another (very dark) book. It was most welcome. And I shall return to it.

[M W AIDLEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

I.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

What English cricket fan has NOT heard the Leg-over broadcast? "Aggers for goodness sake stop it," indeed. It's hard to believe that incident was in the early days of Agnew's Test Match Special career.

I may only be 34 but I've been listening to TMS for as long as I can recall. I remember listening to Johnners and Aggers, waking up in the early hours of the morning to listen when England were playing overseas, and playing my Walkman radio between classes. Even now, living in the USA, I tune in online whenever I can.

This is a wonderful read, bringing back plenty of memories. It's pure Agnew; you can hear his voice as you read it. Given its date of publication, I was surprised - and happy - to read of events that took place in 2010, even if the Pakistan scandal of the summer has no mention. The only downside of this book was that it had to end, which is probably why I tried to delay getting to that moment for as long as possible!

[Roger Whitfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really excellent read for those who have ever heard the wonderful Johnners. I fear we will never see his like again, A piece of old colonial England disappeared with his passing. A real joy to read and had me crying tears of laughter and sadness and left me with a sense of melancholy nostalgia for the days of the mid eighties when, instead of revising for O levels I would be listening to Johnners and the TMS team.

Thanks for the book Aggers. A quality read and some excellent arguments at the end, lots for the administrators of cricket to take on board, although they probably won't, sadly!

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story of cricket and the life of Brian Johnston told by none other than Aggers. This book was a delightful read and gave me as an American a better understanding of the game and its traditions. If you're interested in a bit of English history, cricket and the life of a broadcasting legend then this is the place to start.

[Derek Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fitting tribute to Johnners but also more than that. Agnew is very clear in his views about modern cricket and the future of TMS. He is very much a traditionalist and at times it feels like he is Canute trying to fight of the oncoming tide of modernisation. I don't always agree with his him but he puts forward a cogent argument.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming, thoughtful and thoroughly enjoyable read. Lovely anecdotes coupled with thoughts and feelings about the wonderful game that is cricket make this a must-read for all fans of Aggers, Johnners, cricket and TMS.

[Philip Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love cricket? Then you'll love this book!
A rather sideways look at the workings of the TMS team as seen through the eyes of Jonathan Agnew, with passing reference to Brian Johnston.
Easy to read, easy to pick up and put down.

[Steve Markham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and found It most interesting, being not only a fan of cricket but a long time listener to Test Match special. The book covers a lot of different topics and is most enjoyable

[Alan Holdgate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant tribute to Mr Brian Johnson
Fantastic insight to the world of cricket well worth a read

[Ben Hunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed it but somehow I expected a few more stories and a few more laughs. Middlingly entertaining but little more than that.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some privileged public schoolboys get to run the country. Others provide the backbone to Test Match Special.

[Chris Sharman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent tribute