A legend of a broadcaster, a remarkable man and a well respected headmaster.

Ipswich Star: Bryan Knights with Paul MarinerBryan Knights with Paul Mariner

All descriptions of former BBC Radio Suffolk commentator Bryan Knights, who died today at the age of 72.

Mr Knights, who went to Northgate school in his youth and was later headmaster of Murrayfield Primary School in Ipswich, was known to many for his connections to various sports.

And a generation of Ipswich Town fans grew up with him as the voice of live football coverage on local radio stations.

A flood of friends and former colleagues have paid tribute to Mr Knights, who died in Ipswich Hospital.

Stan Singleton, a close friend since his school days with Mr Knights, said they first met when collecting autographs at ITFC matches.

“Because of that tenuous connection early on we became very good friends throughout our Northgate years,” he said.

“We found we had an awful lot in common. We had a love of music and sport.”

Dave Allard, former Ipswich Town reporter for the Ipswich Star, said: “He was the most remarkable man I ever met. He did so many things in his life; he was a football reporter, a brilliant headmaster, a cricket umpire.

“He was a good friend to many managers.”

Peter Cook, editor of BBC Radio Suffolk, added: “Bryan was a legend of a broadcaster. Many Town fans will have grown up listening to his commentaries and he really was the voice of Ipswich Town for season after season.

“Away from the microphone Bryan was a warm, kind man with a smile for everyone. We’ll miss him terribly.”