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Kenneth Wolstenholme dies

Pa
Monday 25 March 2002 20:00 EST
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Kenneth Wolstenholme, the commentator who uttered the most famous words in English football – "they think it's all over, it is now" – has died at the age of 81.

He died last night at a private hospital in Torquay with his daughter by his side.

His famously quoted line, for which he received just £60, came as Geoff Hurst scored the final goal in England's 1966 World Cup win against Germany at Wembley.

Mr Wolstenholme died late last night at the Mount Stuart Hospital in Torquay, Devon, where he was admitted last Monday for treatment for heart failure, said his agent, Dave Davies.

Widower Mr Wolstenholme had suffered a short illness, he said, adding that the commentator's wife died in 1997. The couple had one daughter.

Mr Wolstenholme had lived in Torquay for six years, and previously lived in Brixham.

Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton said: "He was the voice of '60s football and was very much identified with the 1966 Cup final. He was the John Motson of his day and that comment will be around forever."

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