The call came yesterday at 12:14pm. I reached for the phone and noticed it was Mike Tomalaris, thinking he was just back home after yet another epic month in France hosting the Tour de France coverage for SBS TV.
I was just about to congratulate Mike on 30 years of service at SBS, which he had delightfully informed us of via social media the day before, but the conversation quickly turned to despair, not celebration.
“Mate I have terrible news,” Tomalaris said. “I just got a call from SBS and it’s not good, Les Murray died this morning.”
“I’m rushing to the studio to host a tribute to Les for the 6:30pm World News. Would you be available for an interview?” Tomalaris added.
The sledgehammer hit me quickly. I knew Les had been ill for a few months but was told he was on the way back.
One of his last football engagements was being on a panel to pick the inaugural Marconi Stallions FC Team of the Century. The panel featured four prominent football journalists including Ray Gatt, Mike Cockerill and John Taylor.
Les didn’t attend the lavish function on June 24 at Club Marconi but sent me a simple message after viewing a 15-minute video I produced of the night. The message was typical Les. Simple and straight to the point.
“Excellent work Andy,” Les said. I responded thanking him and saying that the edit of the video reminded me of the good old days at SBS.
And they were golden days. I was an untried, inexperienced commentator when Les made the call in 1984 to test me at a National Soccer League game in Wollongong.
I remember it like yesterday. Wollongong Wolves hosted Apia Leichhardt in Round 1 at Towradgi Park on June 30 with the visitors prevailing 3-0. Les selected one of the goals as the best goal of the opening round.
At the time I was working full-time as a cadet journalist for Australian Soccer Weekly – a publication which was considered the ‘football bible’. Remember these were the days before the internet, pay television and social media.
I first met Johnny Warren in 1983. Les and John, or Mr and Mrs Soccer as they were affectionately known, were inseparable. Even then, I had no idea how far the engagement would take me.
In 1985, Les asked me to write a news segment for his weekly Olympic Airways NSL Show every Sunday night. I was like a kid in a lolly store.
Award-winning news presenter George Donikian was also part of the football family despite his weeknight commitments hosting the news. George loves the game. I couldn’t believe where I was.
Les was the conductor and we all followed his lead.
In 1986 there was a new show called Soccerama. It was produced at Harry Michael’s studios, Zero1Zero. Les asked me to actually present that weekly news segment on air with him instead of writing it for him.
It was the game changer. We had so many good times on air. The feedback from fans was awesome.
Johnny Warren, Les Murray and Andy Paschalidis. One was an accomplished Socceroos legend. One was a gifted journalist/broadcaster. The other was pretty much allowed to do as he pleased.
I was now preaching the World Game to the masses.
Les was easy to work with. A mentor to so many. His door was always open. His opinion highly sought.
(Image supplied by Andy Paschalidis)
SBS was an institution. We all rushed home from our Saturday matches to watch The World Game at 5.30pm, eager to see all those great highlights from all parts of the world, especially the musical tributes at the end of each show to celebrate the birthday of a gifted player.
In late 1986, I was at the SBS studios writing more scripts. At the time I was working for Sydney radio station 2GB. It was the final year of my media cadetship.
SBS was starting a new show called Sport Report Australia. Management was looking for a female host. Les jokingly said jump in the chair and do an audition. Guess what happened – I got the job!
The game had certainly changed. I went full-time at SBS and with Les Murray showing me the way, I would work on some of the iconic SBS football broadcasts.
The highlights were many. Commentating. Hosting. Reporting. Producing. It didn’t matter, one just had to adapt.
In 1990, SBS broadcast the World Cup for a second time. Les called me into his office and said I would be hosting from the Sydney studios with ex-Socceroos captain Charlie Yankos, while Johnny and Les would be based in Rome.
I was just about to turn 28. In a relatively short period of time, I was elevated into one of the most testing jobs at the network.
That’s how Les rolled. He didn’t care for age. It was whether you had the passion and could do the job. The only major issue I saw was when anyone called football soccer!
Yes, there were many great memories of those ten years at SBS. They were golden years at a time when multicultural Australia and football were entwined.
In among that was a Hungarian refugee from the outskirts of Budapest who would make football fashionable with the masses. A refugee who first settled in Wollongong in 1957, like so many immigrants.
The fact that my first football commentary was in Wollongong is not lost on me.
The fact that I did that SBS interview yesterday next to the statue of Johnny Warren at Allianz Stadium is now starting to hit home.
In a sense, I am the last man standing from those golden days of the 1980s and 1990s.
The Australian football family, or should that be sports family, is in mourning.
Les Murray was a pioneer in so many ways. His legacy will live on. The game will continue to grow. One can only imagine what Mr and Mrs Soccer are up to right now.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Theo
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the memories, Andy. Les, John, and you managed to connect the soul of the game with the fan and as eras pass your legacies won't be forgotten.
Scott Gilligan
Guest
Great words Andy! You & I have known each other for many years since we were 18 years old & I know the passion you have for the round ball game. From playing together in one of the best Indoor Football teams, NACA Blacks, back in the early '80's to co-co-commentating with you occasionally (not very well I might add) during the James Hardie NISL, you have come a long way. I always remember you telling me that your time with SBS were the best of your working life & that was due to the fact you were able to work with 2 legends of the sport, being Les Murray & Johnny Warren. May they both rest in peace. I know you would be hurting now but I am confident Les & Johnny are reminiscing over the great times they had together & your name would be coming up constantly in their conversations. Keep flying the flag my friend because I am sure they are looking over you.
Andy Paschalidis
Guest
I am so happy to see the reactions to my tribute to such an icon of Australian sports broadcasting. So many more stories to tell. I sense many more will come out in the coming weeks, months, years. Football is so much better for the legacy that is Les Murray. Both he and Johnny Warren united us all
Subversion13
Guest
Such a lovely piece Andy, a great tribute to a friend. Don't underestimate the impact you, Johnny and Les had in shaping a football culture here in Australia. You defined a different type of presentation-style, more cosmopolitan and dare I say, intellectual or artistic than was normal back in the day. The three of you approached the game through passion and a set of core principles. I did not grow up in a traditional "football household", but came to the game in different ways. That era of SBS television coverage played a huge role in that. I also recognise what Les, and SBS's football coverage in general has done for the wider community in opening our eyes to different things and new possibilities.
Lroy
Guest
Les Murray was brilliant, he could have called any game in any league in the world and the fans would have loved him.
world in football
Guest
Beautiful tribute / memories Andy ... my brothers and I absolutely LOVED Les Murray and it was Les who got Australians to use the term "The World Game" ... football IS the world game and thanks to Les Murray a lot more Aussies have come to understand it and love it - the beautiful game. RIP Les you legend !
Bondy
Guest
Nice piece Andy . I remember growing up with Les on SBS this was the only station that cared about our sport you couldn't find football anywhere else other than SBS ,back in the 80's & 90's. Les & Johnny took football a long way in Australia few could doubt that, but still it has to be mentioned that none of the commercial tv networks still don't have a dedicated journalist to cover both the A League and Socceroos ... The big fella's now gone up to the football pitch in the sky to play with Johnny ....
Josh
Guest
Great article, never met him but feels like we've all lost a family member.
Patrick Farhart
Guest
Hi Andy Thank you for writing such a beautiful piece on a man who helped to change the face of Australian sport. I unfortunately never had the pleasure of crossing paths with Les Murray, but from afar he appeared to be someone who fought so hard for the beautiful game of football to be recognised in Australia. He appeared to have that style about him that helped him to mix with the "football elite" but at the same time ensured that he could remain in touch with us commoners watching the screen. Your life was undoubtedly enriched by your friendship and professional relationship with him and I envy you for that. Les Murray embodied the story of successful migrants to this great country of ours and will long serve as a role model that anyone from any walk of life can achieve their chosen dream in Australia. R.I.P Les Murray
Forza Milan
Guest
RIP Les. Loved those birthday montages at the end of world soccer. Andy, I enjoyed your commentary too, a lot more colourful than what we get now.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
It's strange that something feels dead around Football in Australia after the passing of Les at a time when the possibilities and potential of the local game appear bountiful. We'll never forget his voice, his accent, his intelligence or his wit. God bless you mate! And God bless you Andy, for having had the experience, pleasure and privilege of working with such a classy, warm and generous human. Cuddle your loved ones people! It's what life is all about.
chris
Guest
Well said Andy. I used to watch all those shows and I thought it would always be so. Alas nothing lasts forever but they were happy days :) RIP Les
Peter
Guest
Wonderful wonderful article Andy thank you
punter
Guest
Thanks Andy, I have fond memories of you, Les & Johnny together on SBS, football has always been my life.
Caltex Ten & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
Good work Andy, a wonderful piece.
sheek
Roar Guru
Sorry, spellcheck snuck 'bemused' into my sentence when I'm sure I typed "be missed".
Andrew
Guest
Great tribute Andy Les , Johnny & yourself gave our beautiful game all the respect it deserved. I'll never forget the saturated coverage of the World Cups they were amazing. A fantastic era for football in this country. Loved every moment of all the football brought to us viewers, we were very lucky. Just want to say Thank you. So very sad to hear about Les ' passing. R.I.P. Les Murray
Swampy
Guest
Thanks for sharing Andy - you were as big a part of my childhood discovery of the beautiful game as Les & Johnny were. You all have meant a huge amount to so many - may the passion be spread further and further
togz
Guest
Great stuff Andy
Bunny Boy Marty
Guest
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