Commentator Clive Tyldesley Reflects on 28-Year ITV Journey Ahead of Departure

Veteran football commentator Clive Tyldesley is set to bid farewell to ITV after an esteemed 28-year tenure, reflecting on his unexpected departure from the network ahead of his final match call for Euro 2024.

Aged 69, Tyldesley will provide commentary for the Germany versus Denmark Euro 2024 round-of-16 match in Dortmund alongside former Scotland striker Ally McCoist, marking the end of an era with ITV.

In 2020, Tyldesley was replaced as ITV’s lead commentator by Sam Matterface, missing out on covering key events like England‘s major matches and tournament finals.

Speaking to The Daily Mail, Tyldesley expressed his mixed emotions, feeling ‘upset, annoyed, and baffled’ about the network’s decision.

Recently informed of his departure, Tyldesley shared, ‘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 after 28 years.’

Tyldesley remains grateful for his time at ITV, stating, ‘It’s a shame it’s coming to an end, but it’s a matter of opinion. I don’t fully understand why they think that way, but I have to accept it.’

The Lancashire native views his departure as ‘unusual,’ as he has no intentions of retiring and aims to continue his commentary career across various platforms.

Outside ITV, Tyldesley will continue commentating on Champions League matches for CBS Sports in the United States and will feature in Amazon‘s coverage of the Christmas Premier League fixtures.

Having taken over from broadcasting legend Brian Moore in 1998, Tyldesley has also ventured into podcasting with ‘The Football Authorities,’ co-hosted with former Celtic and Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill.

Tyldesley’s wife, Susan, confirmed his pending exit from ITV, expressing pride in his achievements and highlighting his new ventures, including the podcast and continued commentary roles.