Match of the Day is a keystone in the Saturday night schedule. For football fans, this needs no explanation. But if you were to ask a focus group of football fanatics why they love watching Match of the Day, you’d be inundated with a whole host of different responses.
For some, the show will hold a place in their heart for being the first, and only, way to watch their beloved team play each week. Even now it remains the one constant terrestrial viewing platform.
For others, who like to enjoy the suspense of avoiding the results throughout the weekend, Match of the Day is the place to experience the dramatics of the games, all in one big swoop.
For all, it’s simply the place to revel in glory when your team hits it big - and, perhaps, the programme to avoid after a heavy defeat.
Match of the Day has cemented itself into the hearts of millions of football fans... Leicester City supporters included. The Club's debut on BBC Two came two years after the show began. In truth, you couldn’t have asked for a better baptism of fire. On 17 October, 1964, Leicester played Nottingham Forest, at home, in front of 26,000 fans. Later that evening, thousands more across the country tuned in.
And some match it was. City took the lead early in the game through Billy Hodgson, before a Forest equaliser drew the score level. Colin Appleton restored City’s advantage shortly after and put the Foxes back ahead before the half-time whistle. Come the second half, and with 12 minutes left on the clock, Forest equalised once more and looked to have ruined the occasion.
But City had other ideas. With six minutes to spare, Mike Stringfellow – at the end of a free-kick – headed it home. The match finished 3-2. Leicester City, in front of the eyes of the nation, took all three points. If only all appearances on Match of the Day ended so well!