Samuel James Leitch (1927– 24 January 1980) was a British journalist and television sports presenter. He came from a Scottish family but was born in
Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, England.
He was the editor of ''
Match of the Day'' at the
BBC for some years. For several years up to 1974 he presented the "Football Preview" slot on ''
Grandstand'' on a Saturday, previewing the day's matches. This was later to evolve into ''
Football Focus''. He was head of sport at Thames Television at the time of his death.
Although the error has been attributed to commentators
David Coleman or
Frank Bough, it was Leitch who, when the Scottish football team
Raith Rovers won a match, said "They'll be dancing in the streets of Raith tonight". This was seen as a display of ignorance since Raith Rovers play in the town of
Kirkcaldy.
Leitch died from a heart attack in
London
London is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, with a population of in . London metropolitan area, Its wider metropolitan area is the largest in Wester ...
in 1980 at the age of 52.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Leitch, Sam
British television personalities
1927 births
1980 deaths