in

Fans hail Mark Pougatch’s classy farewell to Clive Tyldesley live on TV as ITV commentator bows out after 28 years


FANS have hailed Mark Pougatch’s classy farewell to Clive Tyldesley live on air after the ITV commentator bowed out after nearly three decades.

The iconic 69-year-old commentator’s deal with the channel came to an end after 28 years with Germany’s 2-0 win over Denmark yesterday.

Clive Tyldesley joined Ally McCoist in the booth to call his last match for ITV last nightCredit: X
ITV host Mark Pougatch was praised for his classy farewell to the icon live on airCredit: Getty
Tyldesley shared a clip of himself singing later on after going off air for the last timeCredit: X

ITV opted not to renew his contract after the last-16 Euros tie but Tyldesley still gave it everything he had on the mic alongside Ally McCoist for the eventful evening at Westfalenstadion.

The dramatic game was halted in the first half after thunder and lightning threatened the wellbeing of players while there was also more VAR controversy.

The Danes thought they had taken the lead against hosts Germany after a shock Joachim Andersen opener.

But the goal was ruled out for a fractional offside for Thomas Delaney in the build-up.

READ MORE ON FOOTBALL

Their misery was then compounded immediately afterwards when a penalty was awarded down the other end for an Andersen handball.

The handball didn’t look immediately obvious but VAR stepped in and summoned Michael Oliver to the monitor.

He then gave a penalty for Germany which Kai Havertz converted to make it 1-0, and Jamal Musiala added Germany’s second late on.

After the final whistle, Tydesley got to sum it all up before handing back to the studio for the final.

Most read in Euro 2024

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

He said: “Any discussion of this year’s European champions has got to involve Germany, they are a part of this.

“They will head to a quarter final against Spain, who knows, maybe Georgia, on the back of this final scoreline in Dortmund – Germany 2 Denmark 0.”

TV Legend Clive Tyldesley in position for his last ever commentary game

Then Pougatch took over, saying: “Clive, thank you very much indeed. What a way to go out. It was never going to be quiet.

“We will see you very soon and thank you from all of us.”

Viewers were moved by the touching exchange and quickly took to X.

“A wonderfully professional last few words from Clive Tyldesley tonight, “ posted one fan on X.

“Classy from Mark Pougatch on the handover too.

“Thanks for the ITV memories, Clive. You legend.”

Another viewer wrote: “ITV’s football coverage is now better  than the BBC’s. But will be weaker without Mr Tyldesley.”

A third commented: “Hopefully, he’ll be back soon.”

A fourth said: “I bet he was hoping for extra time and penalties.”

While a fifth added: “A travesty he’s not on the England games anymore.”


EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY


Tyldesley then shared a clip on his own X this morning, of him singing goodbye while holding a guitar next to an ITV producer and McCoist.

He captioned that with: “Farewell from the team (him, me and producer Annie Barker), thank you for being (mainly) nice.”

Speaking before kick-off, Tyldesley expressed his surprise at the company’s decision not to extend his deal.

He said: “I’ve known for five to six weeks. 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.

“ITV has been very good for me and my career and I’d like to think I have been good for them.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.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

“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 will continue commentating for American broadcaster CBS Sports on Champions League nights.


Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk


Tagcloud:

Watch moment Roy Keane leaves Jill Scott in shock with brutal jibe during Stick to Football on ITV

Watch MLS star score ‘craziest winner you’ll ever see’ in 97th minute but fans fume at ‘illegal’ goal