Clive Tyldesley makes surprising comment about final days at ITV after commentating last game for the channel
Clive Tyldesley has made a surprising claim about his position at ITV, having commentated his final match for the broadcaster.
The 69-year-old commentated on the Euro 2024 last-16 clash between Germany and Denmark before returning home to England.
Tyldesley's work with ITV dates back to 1986, with a four-year spell at the BBC between 1992 and 1996.
He replaced Brian Moore as the broadcaster's lead commentator from 1998, and commentated on Champions League football, FA Cup finals and England matches until 2020, when he was replaced by Sam Matterface.
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Tyldesley has stayed with ITV since then, although his role as the number two commentator means he has not been covering England matches for the broadcaster.
Speaking to former Celtic and Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill on their new podcast, The Football Authorities, the legendary commentator believes that his role at ITV has actually changed since he learned of his demotion four years ago - with many fans believing he should have been able to mark his farewell by commentating a later match at Euro 2024.
He said: "They decided to demote me from the position of senior commentator, but they offered me a contract to cover the World Cups, the Euros and a few FA Cup ties as the number two commentator to Sam Matterface.
"I think I'm now number three. That contract runs out at the end of this tournament. They told me it won't be renewed - they told me that around a month ago.
It is a big night tonight for my friend @clivetyldesley as he commentates on his final game, 🇩🇪 v 🇩🇰, after 28 memorable years for @itvfootball.
— Martin O'Neill (@moneill31) June 29, 2024
I asked him about this in the latest episode of The Football Authorities podcast. https://t.co/boDeqJW3d3 @GlobalPlayer | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/wsHspS7Yi8
"I can't complain. I've been a lucky boy - I am a lucky boy. I joined ITV in 1996, and they've been really, really good for me.
"I think I've been okay for them, but we're all a matter of opinion, and in their opinion they've got better people now."
Tyldesley's pairing with Ally McCoist has been popular with viewers during Euro 2024, while many have also praised the dynamic between Seb Hutchinson and Andros Townsend.
ITV are yet to confirm their commentary pairings for the remainder of the tournament, although Matterface and Lee Dixon will be behind the microphone in the latter stages.
Ryan Smart