July 2nd 2024.
After an incredible 28-year partnership, ITV has made the decision to part ways with beloved commentator Clive Tyldesley. Tyldesley himself expressed his deep disappointment at the news, sharing that he called his final game for the network on Saturday as Germany defeated Denmark in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
Throughout his time with ITV, Tyldesley has been the voice behind some of the most iconic moments in football history. From Manchester United's Champions League final win in 1999 to Liverpool's unforgettable comeback in the same competition in 2005, Tyldesley has brought passion and excitement to every game he commentated on.
Although he was replaced as the lead commentator in 2020, Tyldesley continued to work with ITV for the next four years. However, he will now be moving on to new opportunities, including commentating on CBS's coverage of the Champions League and Amazon's coverage of the Premier League next season.
Reflecting on his time with ITV, Tyldesley shared his thoughts on his podcast, The Football Authorities. "I am more than disappointed that they have come to the conclusion that they've now got not just one, but other commentators that they think are better than I am," he said. "I assume that ITV do research these things and maybe they are getting feedback from focus groups that, you know, coming up 70, heard enough of me."
Despite spending nearly three decades with ITV, Tyldesley remains humble and open to constructive criticism. "I hope that my standards are high enough for me to be the first person to notice when they're slipping," he shared. "I still listen back to my work and review it, hopefully as harshly as anybody else. I try to refresh, reset, recalibrate every game that I do."
Tyldesley also acknowledged the ever-changing audience and their varying levels of football knowledge and interest. "I'm continually trying to reconnect with an audience that is constantly changing," he explained. "Changing in terms of its makeup, changing in the way that it consumes it management, trying to connect with all ages, all genders, all levels of football interest and knowledge."
Despite his passion and dedication, Tyldesley is aware that ITV has made their decision and he must accept it. In an interview with the Daily Mail, he shared, "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."
Tyldesley also clarified that he has no plans to retire and is ready for the next chapter in his career. "This is not my decision, it's theirs," he said. "If they want to highlight the fact that I have been with them a long time that's also their decision. I am not going to object to it but at same time it's a little unusual when it's their decision to move me on."
Despite the bittersweet ending to his time with ITV, Tyldesley remains grateful for the memories and the support from fans of all ages. "I still think my work is strong enough to resonate with old and young," he shared. "It's a strange situation because I am not retiring and have no intention of doing so."
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