CLIVE TYLDESLEY is “annoyed and baffled” by ITV’s decision to replace him as their main football commentator.
The veteran caller – who will be replaced by well known Sam Matterface – took to Twitter to share his dismay at the news.
Clive Tyldesley is ‘annoyed and baffled’ by ITV’s decision to replace him as their main football commentator
Tyldesley will stay with the broadcaster as their No 2 commentator but will no longer be their main man.
The 65-year-old has been in the role for 22 years and has been the voice for many of football’s biggest games of the modern era.
SunSport understands Tyldesley was told at least TWO years ago that he would eventually be replaced.
He is said to have accepted the decision at the time and was told his last match as No 1 would be the final of this summer’s Euros.
Unfortunately the tournament was delayed until next year because of coronavirus.
As a result, Tyldesley expected ITV to leave him in place until then allowing him to cover the Euros.
But the broadcaster was keen to stick with the original timeframe and make the change now.
Tyldesley called England’s dramatic World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia in 2018 which was watched by the 24.3million people – the largest audience ever for a single game.
As well as 17 Champions League finals and countless England games.
World Cups, European Championships and FA Cups have all been covered by the commentary icon and he appeared devastated by the news.
Tyldesley has been replaced by the talented Sam Matterface who is already the voice of football on TalkSPORT and ITV’s Dancing on Ice show
Speaking from his home on a video posted on Twitter, he said: “If you haven’t seen the announcement I am being replaced as ITV’s senior football commentator.
“I was told about three weeks ago so I have had some time to get my head around the decision but I haven’t got my head around it.
“To be clear, this is ITV’s decision not mine. I am upset, annoyed and baffled.
“I would have been entrusted with commentating on the Euro 2020 final for them less than 48 hours ago.
“But now I won’t be commentating on any of the big England games in the coming year and I’m going to miss them.
“I love this job and it’s gone.
“Why? I do not know exactly why this decision has been taken.
“I don’t know why I am being replaced.”
Matterface is chief football commentator at TalkSPORT and already works for ITV on their Euroepan football coverage.
And the 42-year-old is also well known to some viewers as the voice of ITV’s Dancing on Ice show.
Despite Matterface’s impressive credentials, many fans online were sorry to see Tyldesley go and were quick to comment on the decision with some calling for ITV to reverse it.
One wrote: “Joke. You’re the best commentator in football.”
Another added: “Soundtrack of my childhood, Clive. Know that your voice has brought joy, excitement and passion to many, many homes across the country. Thanks for inspiring me.”
And another simply said: “Good luck Clive. Baffling decision. Enjoyed your commentary over the years.”
As well as expressing disappointment at the news, football fans also rushed to reminisce and share footage of Tyldesley’s best moments.
ITV Sport’s director Niall 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.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
