Danny Kelly dies aged 69 as tributes paid to legendary sports presenter

Sports presenter Danny Kelly has died aged 69 following a battle with cancer.

Kelly is a sports broadcasting legend and had spent 20 years working for talkSPORT, where he presented Trans-Europe Express. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in March and had been receiving treatment at his home in Ireland.

talkSPORT said in a statement: "We are heartbroken to share that our much-loved friend and colleague Danny Kelly has died, aged 69.

"A cherished part of talkSPORT for so many years, Danny 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.

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“'I love football, Stan. I love it.' We loved you, Danny. We’ll miss you dearly. Our thoughts are with Danny’s family, friends and everyone who loved listening to him."

Kelly was a lifelong Tottenham fan and the club wrote on social media: "The entire Tottenham family mourns the loss of one of our own, broadcasting legend Danny Kelly. Our thoughts and love are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Danny."

Long-time collaborator Danny Baker wrote: "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."

Kelly's talkSPORT colleague Ian Abrahams wrote: "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."

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Reporter Alex Crook added: "This is so sad. Danny was a great broadcaster and a brilliant colleague and friend. Had a wonderful day with him watching Spurs' last game at White Hart Lane. talkSPORT will never be quite the same again."

Speaking on Trans-Europe Express in June, Kelly explained his diagnosis: "I don't intend to mince my words here. I'm going to tell you that I am a sick man. Six weeks ago, I went to the doctor, hat on the side of my head, something going on with my eating.

"I thought it was probably acid reflux and he would give me a big bag of Gaviscon. Other tablets are available. Instead, it turns out that I have cancer.

"To be specific, I have cancer of the oesophagus, a really dangerous thing. Now look, that's the bad news. The less bad news, because it isn't really good news, is that after another long series of tests, after a very tense three or four weeks waiting for results, the medics say that the thing hasn't spread inside my body and that they can and they will help me.

"What I'm facing, to be truthful with you all again, is a tough and lengthy programme of treatment. There will be chemicals, there will be surgery, and there will be chemicals again. It is a hard road, but one that the doctors are hopeful that will see me emerge recovered and healthy at the far end."

He added: "This isn't just about me. I've learned something really incredibly important in the last few weeks. I think I knew it, but it's been nailed home to me.

"If you feel something just isn't right in your body, I don't mean you've got a hangnail or a bit of earwax or something, but if you know something is not quite right in your body, for God's sake, go to the doctor. Get yourself checked out.