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    Peter Drury to replace Martin Tyler as Sky Sports football commentator as fans welcome major shake-up to TV coverage

    COMMENTATOR Peter Drury will replace Martin Tyler at Sky Sports after he stepped down from his role.The 77-year-old veteran had been the voice of the Premier League for decades.
    Martin Tyler has left Sky Sports after 33 yearsCredit: Getty
    Peter Drury will take overCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    Tyler, who is not believed to be retiring, quit Sky after 33 years.
    Fans have been left buzzing at the news that the popular Drury will be taking over.
    One said: “Best commentator for me by a mile.”
    Another reacted: “Great news this.”
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    A third added: “The GOAT is back.”
    Drury is likely to just do one match a week and continue his work covering English football for NBC, who are also owned by Comcast like Sky Sports, in the US.
    The 55-year-old has become hugely popular as the voice of Premier League on various feeds sent around the world.
    The son of a vicar, he played in goal as a child, and is thought to support both Watford and West Ham.
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    He started on BBC Radio Leeds, before moving on to Five Live in 1994.
    Drury, who has a degree in politics, joined ITV in 1998 before moving to BT Sport in 2013, where he still works.
    He has also commentated on games for Premier League Productions, CBS and NBC, and was the voice of hit video game Pro Evolution Soccer.
    He has also talked fans through FA Cup, Champions League and World Cup matches in the past.
    Tyler leaves with his only legendary status, having been the man on the microphone for Sergio Aguero’s iconic goal to win Manchester City the Prem title in 2012.
    Sky Sports director of football Gary Hughes said: “Everyone at Sky Sports would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Martin for his unparalleled contribution and dedication to our coverage over the last 30 years. 
    “‘The Voice’ will always be synonymous with the Premier League and Sky Sports. More

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    Fans fume at Sky Sports for ‘criminal’ decision to axe ‘talented’ and ‘special’ reporter whose commentary went viral

    FOOTBALL fans have blasted Sky Sports for their decision to sack a “talented” and “special” commentator.Following a reportedly ruthless cost-cut call from Sky to axe six of their reporters, fans were left particularly disappointed by the decision to remove Jaydee Dyer from their ranks.
    Fans have slammed Sky for their ‘criminal’ decision to let Jaydee Dyer goCredit: Getty
    Dyer’s commentary for an Ollie Waktins goal saw him go viral with even Ian Wright singling him out for praise
    Dyer typically works on Sky’s coverage of Basketball, but went viral for a piece of commentary from the Premier League.
    During a match between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest in April, Dyer was an onsite reporter for Soccer Saturday – another show facing a makeover with the departure of Jeff Stelling.
    Dyer received widespread praise for his eloquent description of an Ollie Watkins goal, with one fan saying: “I could fully see the goal unfolding in my brain as he called it.”
    Even Arsenal legend Ian Wright poured on the praise, adding: “Brilliant @J_Dyer_Official. The way you described it felt like I was next to Ollie Watkins! ♥️.”
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    However, fast forward to today and Dyer is one of the names who will no longer be continuing with Sky along with Guy Havord, Dickie Davis, Bianca Westwood, Greg Whelan, Lynsey Hooper.
    Reacting to the news, one fan wrote on Twitter: “Criminal if they get rid of him when there are less enthusiastic pundits sitting on their panel, let alone around the grounds…”
    A second reacted: “This is awful why has he been axed.”
    “He’s a genuinely outstanding broadcaster,” typed a third.
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    A fourth replied: “How they gonna cut @J_Dyer_Official? Anyone that’s ever seen him cover football or basketball knows he’s quality at his job. Sky done themselves over here, JayDee will go on to bigger things.”
    Another added: “He’s brilliant with NBA coverage too. Somebody who holds your attention.”
    Big names at Sky Sports are not immune either, with Martin Tyler confirmed to be leaving the broadcaster and Geoff Shreeves reportedly being told to take a huge pay cut to keep his job.
    Dyer himself also appears to be disgruntled over the decision, appearing to like and retweet a number of tweets critical of the decision on his personal Twitter account. More

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    Seven commentators who could replace Martin Tyler at Sky Sports including Sam Matterface and fan favourite

    MARTIN TYLER’S departure from Sky Sports has left the broadcaster with some massive boots to fill. The 77-year-old will step down from his commentary role before the new 2023/24 season, bringing to end a relationship of over three decades.
    Martin Tyler is leaving Sky SportsCredit: Getty
    Peter Drury is many fans’ top pickCredit: Rex Features
    While Clive Tyldesley is another earmarked for the jobCredit: Rex Features
    But fans are split on others such as Sam MatterfaceCredit: Rex
    However, there are a number of candidates who could step in the fill the void left by the “voice of the Premier League”.
    Times Football Writer Henry Winter has earmarked Peter Drury for the role.
    He described Drury as “the ideal choice; insightful, poetic and passionate about the game”.
    Another commentator tipped for the role is ITV’s former lead commentator Clive Tyldesley, who is 68.
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    Fans have also backed calls for one of the pair, with one saying: “If it’s not Drury it’ll be a travesty. Tyldesley maybe if Peter won’t do it.”
    A second said: “Peter Drury or Clive Tyldsesley are the obvious choices, but I wouldn’t mind a red button feature where you can watch the games with just the crowd noise & no commentary… that would be perfect.”
    A third added: “Clive Tyldesley makes even the most mundane matches sound like a a World Cup Final,” while another added: “Peter Drury all day long – the BEST.”
    However, Drury recently became CBS Sports new lead commentator with an estimated salary of £78,000.
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    BT Sport’s Darren Fletcher is another who may be consideredCredit: Getty
    Pien Meulensteen was backed by Henry Winter for the roleCredit: AP
    ITV lead commentator Sam Matterface is another who has been tipped for the vacant position along with BT Sport’s Darren Fletcher
    And despite extensive work on the broadcasters, some fans don’t seem too keen on the idea.
    One commented: “Please Sky, whatever you do, don’t throw Sam Matterface in to replace Martin Tyler. The world does not need or want that.”
    “This is all great, until we find out his replacement is Darren Fletcher or Sam Matterface,” declared a third.
    A third wrote: “Don’t you dare get Sam Matterface or some random YouTuber involved. Tyldesley is RIGHT there.”
    Another fan was supportive of the idea, typing: “Sky have to do everything to get Peter Dury or Sam Matterface.”
    Winter also shouted out Pien Meunlensteen, describing her as “very good and highly regarded”.
    Jacqui Oatley is another who may be considered for the role, with her work on the WSL seeing her given high praise.
    Match of the Day commentator Guy Mowbray is also an outside shout for the role.
    Jacqui Oatley’s work on the WSL gives he high regardCredit: Rex
    Guy Mowbray has a familiar voice to Match of the Day viewersCredit: PA More

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    Roy Keane all smiles as he tucks into fish and chips cooked by former Man Utd teammate Gary Neville at favourite chipper

    FANS walking past Whitehead Park in Bury were surprised to see Roy Keane tucking into a fish and chips, cooked by Gary Neville no less.The former Man Utd teammates, as well as Liverpool great Jamie Carragher, were in area as part of a visit to the Stephen Street Chippery in Bury.
    Roy Keane, Gary Neville, and Jamie Carragher tucked into a fish and chips that was cooked by NevilleCredit: Facebook
    They were in Bury for a visit to the Stephen Street Chippery, Neville’s favourite pub growing upCredit: Facebook/Megan Postle
    The establishment is believed to have been Neville’s favourite chipper growing up in the local area.
    The 48-year-old brought his Sky Sports punditry colleagues Keane and Carragher around his local area as part of a new TV show.
    Part of this tour involved going to the Stephen Street Chippery, at which Neville was reportedly invited to try his hand at making fish and chips.
    Judging by photos of the three of them tucking into the food on a bench nearby, his attempt was not entirely unsuccessful.

    A photo of the three men outside the chipper was shared to Facebook by Megan Postle, who is employed there.
    And speaking to Manchester Evening News, James Kilgariff, who owns the chipper with his wife, Rebecca, explained the story behind the episode.
    He said: “We knew about the visit about a month ago but they asked us to keep it hush-hush because they didn’t want mobbing outside.
    “Apparently Gary used to come in here with his mum and grandmother and it was their favourite chippy.
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    “They were quite chatty and there was a bit of banter going. They were like every other customer that comes in.
    “There was no airs and graces with them, they were pretty down to earth.
    “They cajoled Gary into cooking fish and chips for all three of them. They were here for about 45 minutes in total.”
    BACK TO HIS ROOTS
    In a post on Instagram, Gary Neville revealed that their visit to the chipper – as well as his childhood home on Ainsworth Road – was for an upcoming episode of The Overlap.
    Alongside of his childhood home, he said: “So today I went back to my roots for the Overlap on Tour!
    “This is the house I grew up in for the first 11 years of my life.
    “To go inside it again was a great thing to do and meet Lorraine who lives there now.
    “The fireplace in the front room still the same. Oh if you could go back in time for a day to experience it again.
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    “My Nan and Bill living over the road.
    “Playing football and cricket with Philip , my cousin and friends opposite in the park. It would be so good. Memories” More

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    ‘I wanted to stay another year’ reveals Graeme Souness as he opens up on Sky Sports exit and hints at new job

    GRAEME SOUNESS has opened up about his departure from Sky Sports and revealed he would have liked to stay for longer.The Liverpool and Scotland legend, 70, fought back tears during his final appearance on Sky back in April after 15 years on the platform.
    Graeme Souness left Sky Sports after 15 years working as a punditCredit: Alamy
    He has since confirmed he is swimming the English Channel for the charity DEBRA which supports people living with skin disorder Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) – also known as “Butterfly Skin”.
    But now he has discussed his exit from Sky in more depth, admitting he would have enjoyed a bit more time with the broadcaster.
    Speaking to The Guardian, Souness was asked whether it was he or Sky’s decision to part ways, to which he said: “Mutual. I mean, I was keen to stay another year.
    “They thought it would be a good idea that we called it a day, gave their reasons and I accepted that and have zero complaints about Sky.
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    “I worked for them maybe 15 years solid – but it’s more like 20 years.
    “They’ve been great for me, gave me the weekends to look forward to, the buzz of live football.”
    Souness, who won five league titles and three European Cups as a Liverpool player, was then quizzed on whether he will miss the job.
    And he responded by hinting at his next career move.
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    Asked if he will miss Sky, he added: “Yes. But I’m talking to other people and we’ll go again. There’s life in the old dog yet.”
    Souness’ final appearance on Sky came in a breathtaking 4-3 win for his old club Liverpool over another of his former sides Tottenham.
    Giving his goodbye speech to colleagues and the viewers, he said: “I’m going to miss you guys, the guys behind the scenes, our makeup girl, I’ll miss you all.
    “You know, for me, I decided that football management wasn’t for me anymore. I had the wrong temperament for it, the wrong personality.
    “And then I was given the opportunity to do this and it’s been magnificent. It’s just been the most fantastic time for me, because I love football, I care about football and I worry about it going forward.
    “But in Sky’s hands, it’s in good hands, safe hands, and I think over the years we’ve created a Premier League with great detail and I think we look after football very well.”
    Souness is aiming to raise £1.1million for DEBRA, a nod to the number 11 he wore during his playing days. To sponsor him, visit: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/debraswim More

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    Sky Sports suspend two F1 commentators after sexism storm which saw female reporter fume at colleague on live TV

    SKY SPORTS have suspended two Formula One commentators after sexist remarks made live on air.Matteo Bobbi, who spent three years as a Minardi test driver in F1, and Davide Valsecchi, an Italian former racing driver and the 2012 GP2 Series champion, have been temporarily stood down from their Italian channel by the broadcaster.
    Sky Sport Italy have suspended F1 commentators Matteo Bobbi and Davide Valsecchi for sexist remarks on airCredit: Sky Sport Italy
    From the studio Bobbi pointed to a woman behind Valsecchi, in the paddock, and called her an ‘upgrade package’Credit: Sky Sport Italy
    Co-host Federica Masolin was standing alongside Valsecchi and looked fumingCredit: Sky Sport Italy
    She then read out a viewer’s comment that led to more jokingCredit: Sky Sport Italy
    It comes after comments they made during the post-race analysis of Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix.
    The former drivers were talking about the race when Bobbi, 45, began a sexist joke with his colleague.
    He was in the studio speaking to 36-year-old Valsecchi, who was in the paddock at trackside, when he pointed to a woman in the background and referred to her as an “upgrade package”.
    That led to Valsecchi responding: “I already know them but they told me I can’t test them. So I raise my hands.”
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    But their exchange on Sky Sport Italia went down like a lead balloon with the other broadcasters they were working with.
    Federica Masolin was standing alongside Valsecchi and instantly produced a stern stare towards him before telling the pair to “be careful”.
    As the joke continued, she grew more furious, and that led to her adding: “Can we watch some interviews instead of these two?
    “Let’s hear from Carlos Sainz, please. I’m going to censure you two.”
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    Masolin continued to read a viewer’s comment after the interview clip that said: “Fabio is concerned for your physical safety, Matteo and Davide.
    “Will they be safe and sound, after this gag, at the next Grand Prix. Appreciated by all their wives?”
    Bobbi responded with: “Well when I get home I’ll get a beating, probably. Sorry, Davide.”
    Valsecchi continued to joke, adding: “Well you know I’ve had eye surgery twice because I’ve been losing sight since I was a child, looking at those things.”
    Both individuals have now apologised over their comments with Valsecchi writing on Instagram: “I’m so sorry, because on Sunday in the post-race I fell into an exchange of bad-tasteful jokes and used unsuitable and disrespectful words. And I’m not.
    “This is why I would like to apologise to those who felt offended, to women and to Sky. Really.”
    Bobbi also said: “After the race I was the protagonist of a joke that came out in a completely unhappy way, although it was not in my intentions I generated an unpleasant moment that made the sensitivity of some people suffer. I ended up in gravel.
    “Being anything but a disrespectful person I sincerely apologise to those who felt offended by reiterating my total and deep respect for everyone and towards women, particularly starting with the beautiful woman next to me.
    “For 10 years I have been commenting on F1 with the friends of Sky, a family now and in 10 years I had never found myself in such an unpleasant situation.

    “I’ve always thought that from mistakes you understand, learn and start again. What happened will lead me to try to improve further as a man and as a professional.”
    Now both men will be absent from the coverage for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix. More

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    Kylian Mbappe and Trent Alexander-Arnold give their Champions League final predictions at Spanish GP

    KYLIAN MBAPPE and Trent Alexander-Arnold have revealed their predictions for next week’s Champions League final.The two footballers were included in the star-studded line-up of special guests at the Spanish Grand Prix.
    Mbappe thinks Man City will win the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
    Alexander-Arnold also believes City will win the trebleCredit: Getty
    And Sky Sports presenter Craig Slater used the opportunity to question them both about next week’s match between Manchester City and Inter Milan.
    When asked who he thinks will lift the Champions League trophy, PSG striker Mbappe said: “Champions League final, it’s going to be a great game.
    “I think Manchester City are going to win.”
    Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold appeared to agree.
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    He told Sky Sports: “I think Man City are always the favourites for everything!”
    Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount was also in attendance at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya over the weekend.
    But rather than asking him about the Champions League, Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle was quick to question the 24-year-old about a potential move to Manchester United.
    After Brundle had spoken to Mount’s Blues team-mate Ben Chilwell, the attacking midfielder asked: “What’s he saying?”
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    To which the reporter responded: “He says you’re going to Manchester United.”
    Mount dismissed the question and laughed before replying: “I’m here to just enjoy the race today.
    “Amazing day, I can’t wait to watch it.”
    Mount has been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in recent weeks and Man Utd are understood to be interested in signing him. More

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    Ex-Premier League referee ‘does a Steve McClaren’ as fans point out his new accent in TV interview

    FANS are claiming that ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher changed his accent during an interview. The 66-year-old was a top-flight official for 12 years between 1992 and 2007.
    Dermot Gallagher changed his voice in an interviewCredit: Sky Sports via Twitter
    He now regularly appears on Sky Sports to discuss refereeing decisions.
    But viewers were left surprised by his latest interview.
    Gallagher normally talks with far less of an Irish accent than when he spoke about the abuse from Jose Mourinho and fans that Anthony Taylor suffered after the Europa league final.
    It left many believing when he returns to his homeland he acts more Irish.
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    One fan said: “It is mad how he drops it for Sky.”
    Another added: “This has my mind blown”
    A third reacted, citing what Gallagher was wearing: “Amazing what a hat with a shamrock on can do to you.”
    Many compared his accent twist to when Steve McClaren hilariously spoke English with a Dutch accent soon after taking the FC Twente job.
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    More referenced in a similar incident when David Moyes was at Real Sociedad.
    And Joey Barton speaking with French accent when playing for Marseille. More