Plenty of fans are missing the dulcet tones of commentary legend Clive Tyldesley this evening as England host San Marino in their opening World Cup qualifier.
It was announced last year that Sam Matterface would take over as ITV's lead commentator - a decision that left Tyldesley "upset, annoyed and baffled" after 22 years on the mic.
ITV have replaced me as their main football commentator...
Tyldesley opened up about the shock news on his official Twitter account shortly after the announcement was made.
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"I'm being replaced as ITV's senior football commentator," he said. "To be clear, this is ITV's decision - not mine - and I am upset, annoyed, baffled.
"I've had broadcasters asking if I have any health issues, no I have got no health issues. I gather one or two sites are reporting that I have been sacked. Well I guess I have ... from one job, but I've done nothing wrong.
"I'm the same person I've always been. Like me or hate you're entitled to do either. Like everyone else in football I'm a matter of opinion, I totally get that. I totally respect ITV's right to change their opinion of me.
"But, let me make it quite clear - I have not stepped down, I have been moved aside. I'm just going to miss the England games so much, even more than I'll miss the Champions League games and that is all."
Tyldesley was such a significant voice on both the international and European stage. He gave us iconic moments like, "And Solskjaer has won it!" during the 1999 Champions League final and "Remember the name, Wayne Rooney!"
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He also provided fans with many World Cup memories with England and on social media tonight, his absense from their clash against minnows San Marino brought plenty of reaction.
#engSMR Feel like pure shit 😪 Just want @CliveTyldesley back 😪
Do you miss Tyldesley's iconic voice during ITV's coverage of England games?
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Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football, England, World Cup, San Marino
