Match of the Day begins

Image: Kenneth Wolstenholme presents an in-vision link to camera before the match between West Ham United and Sheffield United on 19 February 1966.

The first regular football programme on television, Match of the Day, began on 22 August 1964, at the start of the 1964-65 season. The identity of the match – Liverpool v Arsenal - was kept secret until 4.00pm, by agreement with the Football League, who feared crowds would stay at home to watch it. Nearly an hour of highlights of the game was shown, which was won by Liverpool 3-2. Commentary was by Kenneth Wolstenholme and Walley Barnes.

Match of the Day was transmitted on BBC2 and took advantage of the higher definition 625 line picture. Cameras were no longer restricted to close-ups as the ball was now clearly visible in wide shots. The jaunty signature tune by Barry Stoller was voted the most recognised TV theme tune in a 2010 poll conducted by the PRS, but did not make its first appearance until 1970. The first programme opened with Drum Majorette by Arnold Stock.

Match of the Day fulfilled a desire for more sport on television but also served as a training ground for BBC camera crews in preparation for the 1966 World Cup. The popularity of football following the World Cup motivated the programme's move to BBC One, where it continues to this day, complemented by Match of the Day 2.