| Archie Macpherson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Archibald Macpherson 1937 (age 74–75) |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Citizenship | British |
| Known for | Sports commentary, authorship |
Archibald "Archie" Macpherson (born 1937) is a Scottish football commentator and author.
He has been commentating on Scottish football, via both radio and television, for over four decades.
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Macpherson was born and raised in the Shettleston area of Glasgow.[1] His father had played as a centre forward for Shettleston, Dalry Thistle and Largs Thistle.[2]
Macpherson has worked for the BBC, STV, Eurosport, Setanta Sports, Radio Clyde and Talksport although he initially struggled to gain a foothold in broadcasting. Indeed, his first job was as a teacher where he supplemented his meagre income by getting short stories published in local newspapers. Such efforts paid off and helped Archie gain his initial big break at the BBC. He continued to work as a teacher until 1969 when he joined the BBC on a full-time basis.
Macpherson has made his own personal appearances within Scottish popular culture. Famously he once appeared on Rikki Fulton's Scotch and Wry (a prominent comedy sketch show screened by BBC Scotland) being mistaken for former University Challenge host Bamber Gascoigne. In the film adaptation of Irvine Welsh's cult novel Trainspotting he re-voiced his commentary for Archie Gemmill's famous goal for Scotland against the Netherlands at the 1978 World Cup as a sex scene unfolded at the same time, both pieces of action climaxing simultaneously.
His popularity saw him elected as Rector of the University of Edinburgh in 1985, defeating Teddy Taylor, Margo MacDonald and Richard Demarco.
Macpherson was recognised at the 2005 Scottish BAFTA ceremony, picking up a prize for "Special Contribution to Scottish Broadcasting".
Macpherson's last regular role was commentating on STV's coverage of UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup matches involving Scottish teams. Archie also became famous for his appearances on STV's Scotsport, which aired highlights from the Scottish Premier League (SPL) on Monday nights during the football season, until its axe in 2008.
Macpherson provides match predictions and analysis for betting-shop chain Ladbrokes.
Macpherson has occupied his time away from television by writing two books. One is a best-selling biography of legendary Scottish football manager Jock Stein and the other is a book called Flower of Scotland? about Archie's trials and tribulations whilst following Scottish football for the past four decades.
| Academic offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by David Steel |
Rector of the University of Edinburgh 1985–1988 |
Succeeded by Muriel Gray |
| Media offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by programme started |
Regular football commentator of Sportscene 1975–1990 |
Succeeded by Jock Brown |
| Preceded by Gerry McNee |
Regular football commentator of Scotsport 1998–2008 |
Succeeded by programme ended |