Tributes after BBC Radio Devon presenter Gordon Sparks dies

Tributes have been paid to radio presenter, journalist and proud Plymothian Gordon Sparks after he died.

The former BBC Radio Devon breakfast host had been undergoing treatment for cancer, and tweeted earlier this week to say he might soon be transferred to a hospice.

His death has prompted a wave of tributes on social media from followers, listeners and fans of Plymouth Argyle - who Gordon commentated on for more than 30 years.

Such was his close association with the club and its fanbase, Argyle named their newly-opened Press Box after him in August - and supporters sang their support for him during their recent away win against Milton Keynes Dons.

‘A voice of sport’

Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies described Gordon as the “voice of sport” in Plymouth.

“Sad to hear the news of the passing of Gordon Sparks, a voice of sport in Plymouth for decades and a friend,” she wrote on social media.

Chris Errington, who covers Argyle for the Plymouth Herald newspaper and used to co-commentate alongside Gordon, said: “It was a joy for me to spend so many Argyle away days in the commentary box with Sparksy. We had so many fun times, such laughs, he was great company.

"He was a fantastically humorous, entertaining personality. But it's not just his commentary on Argyle - he was a big part of the society of Plymouth. You walk down New George Street and ask people who Sparksy is and they will know. A proper Janner legend."

Two of the city’s MPs also shared their condolences. Luke Pollard described Gordon as a “legend” and a “hero” while Johnny Mercer said he was “a voice that spoke for the city”.

Argyle fan and Bastille drummer Chris Wood tweeted: “RIP to Gordon Sparks. He’ll forever be an enormous part of the Argyle story and was the voice that pulled us all closer to home over the airwaves for years.

“A lovelier man you couldn’t find and an irreplaceable talent. All the love to Heather and family. Absolutely gutted."

Gordon - who was affectionately known as ‘Sparksy’ - started his long association with Argyle by attending games with his father.

He started his broadcasting career at Hospital Radio and made his commentary debut in 1984, when Argyle lost the FA Cup semi-final defeat against Watford at Villa Park.

Earlier in the week, Gordon told fans his tumour has gotten "slightly bigger" and his lungs were not responding to antibiotics. 

He also said he would be transferred to St Luke's Hospice.

Gordon previously fought testicular cancer 17 years prior, the first time he was diagnosed with cancer. 

He praised the care he had received from University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.

LBC reporter Andy Ballantyne said: "He was just a wordsmith. He could get the emotion and the impact within those vital couple of seconds that you needed for football commentary."