Through the wind, sleet and rain, the 0-0 draws and the interviews with players seemingly missing a brain, one thing has always warmed the cockles of veteran football commentator John Motson his beloved sheepskin.

Although often seen in a state that would make even TV detective Columbo blush, Motty's furry jacket never seemed to leave his shoulders. You couldn't imagine him ever not wearing it. So it came as a shock to find out that Motty, who began his career as a newspaper reporter in Barnet, has just got rid of his infamous attire, having donated it to the National Football Museum in Preston.

Mark Bushell, spokesperson for the museum, said: "I never thought Motty would get rid of his famous sheepskin. What genuine football fan doesn't realise how important that coat has been to him throughout his career?

"I'm sure he will be incredibly sad to see it go as it's travelled all over the country with him and it must evoke some incredible memories, not least when he nearly froze to death during a snowstorm at Wycombe Wanderers."

The handing over of the artefact, which will surely become as legendary as the Dead Sea Scrolls or the Elgin Marbles, was agreed when Mr Bushell asked Motty to donate it during a visit last year. The commentator was under the impression he had already leant it to the museum, but it turned out he had loaned it to a photographic exhibition in Ambleside in Cumbria. As you do.

After retrieving his coat from the Lake District, Motty made the museum wait six months while he had a new jacket designed. The good people from the museum then made the long trip down to Harpenden to pick up the item.

"It has done him a great service. It was very worn out when we picked it up," explained Mr Bushell.

So what will Motson's clothing of choice be from now on? A Puffa, bomber, maybe a hooded jacket? Not quite. He's already had a new sheepskin tailor-made. Don't go changing, Motty.