FINAL SCORE & GRANDSTAND
Before 24/7 sports channels and instant notifications, Saturday afternoons meant one thing for football fans: Grandstand and Final Score. The ritual of watching results come in was sacred.
GRANDSTAND
Running from 1958 to 2007, Grandstand was the BBC's flagship sports programme. Saturday editions became essential viewing for football fans, with the famous classified football results and Vidiprinter a highlight.
THE CLASSIFIED RESULTS
At approximately 4:45pm, the classified football results would appear. Delivered in a distinctive monotone, each result was announced: "Arsenal 2, Manchester United 1. Aston Villa 0, Everton 0." Simple, methodical, perfect.
FINAL SCORE
After Grandstand ended, Final Score continued the tradition. The format evolved, but the core remained: live scores, match updates, and the Vidiprinter. It was appointment television for generations.
THE HOME RITUAL
Check the half-time scores on Ceefax. Switch to TV for the Vidiprinter. Wait for the classified results. This was the Saturday routine. Your dad shouting at the telly when results came in. The pools coupon on the coffee table. Pure nostalgia.
THE LEGACY
Though we now have instant access to scores on our phones, nothing quite replicates the communal experience of watching results unfold live. QFAX brings back that feeling - the anticipation, the drama, one score at a time.