'Grandstand' or 'World of Sport'?

[kazboot]

Re: 'Grandstand' or 'World of Sport'?

I have fond memories of my dad putting a bet on for me for 'The ITV Seven' horse racing some Saturdays and never even winning the first race!

I also loved the wrestling with Mick McManus, Giant Haystacks and Big Daddy.

The BBC Final Score was also definitely essential viewing.

[rossobantam]

Sportsnight

here's a 3rd option...my fav! SPORTSNIGHT

YouTube - Sportsnight 1982

My fav bit from the others was Cup Final day on WoS, when Eric Morecambe appeared

[Marine Boy]

Re: 'Grandstand' or 'World of Sport'?

I should perhaps have added in my original post that whilst Grandstand went on until 2007, World of Sport ended in 1985. This may be the reason the latter holds more nostalgia for me.

There was also the almost poetic reading of the football league results. Len Martin was that unforgettable voice on Grandstand until his death in 1995, but I can't recall the guy who was most associated with World of Sport's results service.

[HG]

Re: 'Grandstand' or 'World of Sport'?

For sports coverage in general ITV has always lagged behind the BBC and now the satellite stations. ITV just can't do sport well, that said World of Sport was good for Saint and Greavsie (I'm sure that started on there) and the wrestling which was essential viewing for me.

Overall though Grandstand was the superior program, and the vivi printer I (I think it was called) seemed great with its instant updates and full time scores coming in.

[Emettman]

Re: 'Grandstand' or 'World of Sport'?

The Grandstand theme is more evocative, to me, and while the ITV wrestling was a favourite in family in my youth, it was always back to the BBC for the teleprinter and results reading later in the afternoon.

[Hooper68]

Re: 'Grandstand' or 'World of Sport'?

It has to be world of sport as it had a very diverse range of sports,I particularly enjoyed the wrestling as I used to love watching my Gran getting very animated watching it

[Marine Boy]

During the 60s, 70s and 80s, these two Saturday afternoon sports shows ruled the airwaves. The theme tunes of both are enough to bring back wonderful memories:

YouTube - BBC Grandstand Theme Tune

YouTube - Tv Theme World Of Sport

World of Sport's title sequence especially sticks in my mind. As does its wrestling coverage!

Which of the two rival shows did you prefer?

For my own part, I was rather torn. My father had been director of the building of London Weekend Television so World of Sport ought to have been my choice and, to be honest, I probably prefered it anyway. But when it came to Final Score and the teleprinter, it was Grandstand, so that I was all set for Doctor Who afterwards!