ITV replace Clive Tyldesley as lead football commentator
Clive Tyldesley is being replaced as ITV’s lead football commentator after 22 years in the position.
Tyldesley, who joined from the BBC in 1996, will be replaced by Sam Matterface at the start of next season, but will continue to work with the station.
Director of ITV Sport Nial Sloane said: “On behalf of ITV Sport, I would like to thank Clive for his superb work leading our commentary on some of the biggest occasions in world football throughout his outstanding career with us.
“We are very glad he will continue with us and look forward to working with him on many more occasions in the future.”
The 65-year-old switched channels in 1996 as he joined to be Brian Moore’s understudy, but got the main job after the 1998 World Cup.
He has narrated some of the most memorable moments of the last 25 years, including ‘that night in Barcelona’ when Manchester United won the Champions League and England’s run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.
Tyldesley says he will “miss England games so much” and has been left “upset, annoyed and baffled” after being replaced as ITV’s lead commentator.
However, the veteran broadcaster says he respects ITV’s right to make the decision and will continue to work as their number two.
“I’m being replaced as ITV’s senior football commentator,” he said.
“To be clear, this is ITV’s decision – not mine – and I am upset, annoyed, baffled.
“I totally respect ITV’s right to change their opinion of me, ITV have been really good for me and yes, I will carry on as their number two commentator.
“But, let me make it quite clear – I have not stepped down, I have been moved aside.
“I’m just going to miss the England games so much, even more than I’ll miss the Champions League games and that is all.”
Having joined from the BBC in 1996, Tyldesley became ITV’s main football commentator after the 1998 World Cup.
He has narrated some of the most memorable moments of the last 25 years, including ‘that night in Barcelona’ when Manchester United won the Champions League and England’s run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.