Clive Tyldesley questions ITV decision as popular commentator axed during Euros

27 June 2024 , 20:47

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Clive Tyldesley was ITV's lead football commentator for 22 years (Image: PA)

Legendary football commentator Clive Tyldesley admits that he doesn't know why ITV have made the 'unusual' decision to let him go after 28 years.

Tyldesley, 69, will pick up the ITV microphone one last time on Saturday to commentate on hosts Germany's round-of-16 clash with Denmark at Euro 2024. He'll fittingly be joined in Dortmund by former Scotland striker Ally McCoist, with the duo's partnership becoming increasingly popular during recent international tournaments.

In 2020, Tyldesley was replaced as ITV's lead football commentator after 22 years, with big games such as England matches, European Championship and World Cup finals going to colleague Sam Matterface. That decision left him 'upset, annoyed and baffled' but despite now being shown the door by ITV altogether, he's got no intention of retiring.

"I've known for five to six weeks," Tyldesley told the Daily Mail. "The ITV football editor phoned me to tell me I would be going home after the last 16. I asked if there would be any other opportunities and he said that ITV would not be offering me another contract and so that will be it after 28 years."

Tyldesley then made it clear that he harbours no ill-feeling towards his soon-to-be former bosses but believes that he's operating 'as well as he ever has' behind the microphone. "ITV has been very good for me and my career and I'd like to think I have been good for them," he continued.

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"It's a shame it's coming to an end but it's a matter of opinion and their opinion is that this is the right call. I don't know why they think that. I've never fully understood but I have to accept it. I still think my work is strong enough to resonate with old and young."

Tyldesley, whose wife Susan confirmed his exit on Thursday, added: "It's a strange situation because I am not retiring and have no intention of doing so. This is not my decision - it's theirs. If they want to highlight the fact that I have been with them a long time that's also their decision. I not going to object to it but at same time it's a little unusual when it's their decision to move me on."

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When club football returns, Tyldesley will continue commentating on Champions League matches for United States-based broadcaster CBS Sports. He'll also still be working for Amazon during their coverage of the Christmastime Premier League fixtures.

Lancashire-born Tyldesley, who succeeded commentary icon Brian Moore on ITV in 1998, is open to offers from other broadcasters and he recently launched a podcast, The Football Authorities, with ex- Celtic and Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill.

Nathan Ridley