Clive Tyldesley reveals he ‘doesn’t know why’ ITV have axed him as legendary commentator narrates last game for channel
CLIVE TYLDESLEY has admitted he “doesn’t know why” he is being axed by ITV after 28 years with the channel.
The veteran commentator, 69, will be on the mic for Germany‘s round of 16 clash with Denmark this evening.
Tyldesley, who has been working alongside Ally McCoist at Euro 2024, is then set to leave ITV, after he was told that his contract will not be renewed.
Speaking to the Mail, he revealed: “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.”
Tyldesley worked as ITV’s lead commentator at five World Cups, five European Championships, nine FA Cup finals and 17 Champions League finals.
He was dropped as the channel’s No1 commentator in 2020, replaced by Sam Matterface.
The experienced broadcaster continued to work with ITV as their No2, but will now depart.
On his exit, he added: “ITV has been very good for me and my career and I’d like to think I have been good for them.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
“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.
“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 believes he is still as good as ever, and has no intention of retiring.
He added: “I think I am still at a level where I can commentate as well as I ever did.
“I am conscious that that won’t last for ever. For personal pride and vanity I don’t want my levels to slip. If and when that happens I hope I’ll be first to see it and react accordingly but I think I can still do it.
“I don’t wasn’t to use the word frustration, because I’m not particularly frustrated but this was not my decision.”
Tyldesley is still set to commentate on Champions League matches for American broadcaster CBS Sports.
While he has also launched his new “Football Authorities” podcast alongside Martin O’Neill.
Tyldesley could yet to return to UK broadcasts.
He has confirmed that he is open to offers, although nothing has yet been confirmed.
BBC and ITV's Euro 2024 line up in full
Here's how each channel will line-up:
BBC presenters:
Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman
ITV presenters:
Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods
BBC pundits:
Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden
ITV pundits:
Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina Unkel
BBC commentators:
Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce
ITV commentators:
Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight
BBC co-commentators:
Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFadden
ITV co-commentators:
Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend