Clive Tyldesley admits he ‘does not know why’ ITV has axed him

Clive Tyldesley says he is ‘does not know why’ ITV have decided to show him the door this weekend after 28 years – and added that he has ‘no intention’ of retiring.

The popular commentator, 69, will make an abrupt exit after close to three decades with the channel following Saturday’s last-16 Euros clash between hosts Germany and Denmark.

A reflective Tyldesley, who was controversially stood down as ITV’s lead in 2020 in a move he said left him ‘upset, annoyed and baffled’, told Mail Sport he feels he is operating ‘as well as I ever have’, but refused to hit out at his employers despite a call that has triggered widespread criticism online. 

‘I’ve known for five to six weeks,’ he explained. ‘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 was adamant that he holds no ill-feeling towards his bosses, despite being firm in the belief that he is still operating at the highest level. 

‘ITV has been very good for me and my career and I’d like to think I have been good for them,’ he said. ‘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.’

Some have branded the move, which was confirmed by Tyldesley’s wife on social media on Thursday, ageist, but the much-admired broadcaster stopped short of echoing those sentiments. 

‘I’m 70 in August,’ he said. ‘I don’t want to sound sanctimonious because we don’t save lives, we just shout names out. But this is the only job I ever wanted to do and so I take it very seriously. Part of that is to review and ensure I’m maintaining the standards set by my late mentor Reg Gutteridge. 

‘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 said the news did not come as a shock. ‘They stood me down as lead commentator in 2020 but in the next breath offered me a contract to be backup to their new lead (Sam Matterface). I wanted to continue to work on major tournaments and the FA Cup so I agreed. In Qatar they told me in a hotel reception I would be going before the semi-finals and so at least this time has been different but I’ve known it has been coming for four years.’

ITV are thought to be planning a tribute to Tyldesley during the broadcast of the match. ‘It’s a strange situation because I am not retiring and have no intention of doing so,’ he added. ‘This is not my decision – it’s theirs. If they want to highlight the fact that I have been with them a long time that’s also their decision. I not going to object to it but at same time it’s a little unusual when it’s their decision to move me on.’

Tyldesley will continue to commentate on the Champions League for Americans CBS and will be behind the mic for Amazon’s round of Christmas Premier League fixtures. He is open to offers and has launched a podcast, The Football Authorities, with former Celtic and Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill.

‘I’m OK,’ he said. ‘I’m a happy man, a very lucky man. I’ll be coming home before the England game on Sunday and I hope I’m home a long time before they are.’