Advertisement

Clive Tyldesley ‘upset, annoyed and baffled’ at ITV decision to remove him as lead commentator

ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley says he is “upset, annoyed and baffled” by the decision to replace him as the broadcaster’s senior football commentator.

The channel announced on Tuesday that Sam Matterface will step up to replace Tyldesley as their chief commentator, and that although the veteran broadcaster would remain a part of their football plans, he would no longer be the first choice for their England games and coverage of World Cup and European Championship fixtures.

Tydlesley issued an emotional response to the news, which he says he had no influence in and has not yet got his head around.

“If you haven’t seen the announcement I am being replaced as ITV’s senior football commentator,” Tyldesley said in a video posted to his Twitter page.

“Quite a few people have been in touch with me asking me to react, to comment. I’m not sure that would be a very good idea at the moment.

“I was told about three weeks ago so I have had some time to get my head around the decision, but I haven’t got my head around it. To be clear, this is ITV’s decision, not mine, and I'm upset, annoyed, baffled.”

More follows…