‘Voice of Notts County’ passes away, aged 87

Tributes have been paid to the well-known and much-loved Notts County reporter Colin Slater MBE, who has passed away at the age of 87.

Slater was regarded in the East Midlands as the “voice of Notts County” and called 3,000 matches during a career covering the club that stretched back to 1958-59 season when he started covering the team’s ups and downs for the Nottingham Evening News, which later merged with the Nottingham Post.

In 1969, Slater left newspapers behind when he was appointed Nottinghamshire County Council’s first public relations officer, charged with the task of establishing the department. The transition coincided with his switch to broadcast journalism, after he was approached by BBC Radio Nottingham’s first station manager Gerald Nethercott to take up the post as on-air Notts County correspondent.

With no full commentary service at the time, Slater, via a telephone, was responsible for providing score flashes. There was plenty to update on his radio debut, as Notts were thumped 5-0 by Lincoln City.

The final commentary of his career came on the last day of the 2017-18 League Two season, when Notts were beaten by Newport County as the Welsh side completed an incredible escape from relegation. Slater’s retirement was soon followed by the club bestowing him with the accolade of honorary vice-president.

Chief executive Jason Turner said: “Everyone at Meadow Lane is heartbroken to have lost not only an iconic figure in the club’s history, but also a great friend.

“I have been incredibly privileged to have got to know Colin well since my arrival at the club six years ago, working closely with him on many projects, travelling with him to away matches and enjoying his company at social events.

“As everyone knows, Colin was staunchly passionate about many things, not least Notts County, and he was an inspirational figure to be around.

“Naturally he will be best remembered for his commentary work, to which he dedicated such a huge part of his amazing life, but he did so many other things for the club which must never be forgotten.

“These include playing a pivotal role in securing crucial investment for the club when it was on the verge of extinction in 1965, being instrumental in the formation of Lifeline, acting as a trustee of our Foundation and becoming chairman of our Former Players Association.

“His incredible efforts and achievements were recognised over the years with a list of well-deserved honours which include being awarded an MBE by the Queen for his service to radio and the community in Nottinghamshire, as well as Lifetime Achievement awards from both Sony Radio Academy and the club.

“Despite his deteriorating health which led to him sadly being unable to attend matches, Colin remained committed to his various roles and always took great interest in the team’s results and general affairs at the club.

“We will be remembering him and his incredible dedication with a minute’s silence at Saturday’s home match against Eastleigh.”