Legendary football commentator Clive Tyldesley, 72, remains sharp and authoritative, finding satisfaction in his current role as lead commentator for CBS's Champions League coverage. His commentary on Manchester United's comeback against Roma recently circulated on social media, drawing an appreciative audience in Europe and prompting reflections on his career and the evolving world of sports broadcasting.
Tyldesley acknowledges a potential element of nostalgia in the positive reception, suggesting that his absence from regular UK broadcasts may have softened public perception. "Absence has made a few hearts grow a little fonder towards me," he stated. Since 2020, he has been adapting his style for a North American audience, converting transfer fees and measurements, but maintains his core approach to commentary.
While clips of the CBS studio panel are popular online, broadcasting rights prevent Tyldesley's live commentary from being shown in Europe. He recently described the first leg of the Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich Champions League semi-final as one of the best games he has witnessed, praising the attacking intent and the coaches' trust in their players.
Despite his departure from ITV, where he was eventually replaced as lead commentator, Tyldesley feels comfortable in the current media environment. He believes that the fundamental principles of good commentary, learned from broadcasting giants like John Motson and Barry Davies, remain applicable. He also keeps abreast of new trends, examining popular YouTube streamers and fan commentators, though he finds little applicable to his own style.
"The biggest challenge for a television commentator is to find the right words at the big moments, to go beyond 'amazing,' 'brilliant', 'incredible' and try to add some editorial context," Tyldesley explained. He focuses intently on the moments after significant goals, aiming for unique and specific descriptions that can become part of viewers' memories, distinguishing this from creating soundbites to amplify personal profiles.
Beyond his broadcasting work, Tyldesley engages in other ventures. He is a guest lecturer at the University of Salford, provides commentary for video games, and sells framed prints of his commentary charts. This chart business, which began as a "silly idea in lockdown," has seen remarkable success, with sales exceeding 50,000 after initial promotion by former players Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.
Tyldesley has largely stepped back from numerous media invitations, finding much of the current football content to be repetitive. He prefers to distance himself from the "brutally judgmental loud voices in and around football." While he enjoyed watching the World Cup from home, he has no immediate plans to retire. The upcoming season may see further changes as Paramount, the owners of CBS, acquire the UK rights for the Champions League, potentially bringing his familiar voice back to UK living rooms.