Football broadcaster Danny Kelly dies aged 69 after cancer battle

Danny Kelly, one of British football radio’s most cherished voices, died aged 69 following a battle with oesophageal cancer, which he had announced publicly earlier this year.

Kelly built a devoted following across decades in broadcasting, with a long association with talkSPORT as well as appearances on Kick Off, Sporting Life and Trans-Euro Express. A lifelong Tottenham supporter, he also featured on The Athletic’s Spurs podcast, The View From The Lane — yet his warmth and knowledge earned him admirers well beyond any single club’s fanbase.

talkSPORT paid tribute by sharing one of his most quoted lines on air: “I love football, Stan. I love it.” The station described Kelly as “a cherished part of talkSPORT for so many years” who brought “extraordinary wit, warmth and knowledge to our airwaves. His passion for football, music and life was infectious, and his kindness touched everyone around him.”

Fellow broadcaster Danny Baker, a close friend, said: “My great friend, supreme broadcaster and funniest man I ever knew, Danny Kelly, died yesterday afternoon. I cannot believe I will never hear his voice again.”

talkSPORT colleague Ian ‘Moose’ Abrahams added: “Absolutely heartbroken to hear Danny Kelly has passed away. One of the best broadcasters I’ve worked with. One of the most amazing, kindest, funny, passionate people I knew. Danny, we’ll always have ‘I love football’. I will miss you my friend, sleep well.”