Legendary commentator Martin Tyler, 80, participated in a pre-season match for his boyhood club, Woking, on Tuesday. Tyler took to the pitch for the first few seconds of Woking Academy's training ground game against Corinthian Casuals.
After a ceremonial kick-off, a teammate promptly kicked the ball out of play, allowing Tyler to be substituted and applauded by attendees. The planned substitution marked the renaming of the club's training facility to the Martin Tyler Performance Centre in his honor.
Tyler has a lifelong association with Woking, having first attended a match at eight years old in 1953. He has since been involved with the club as a player, opponent, and coach.
"My non-league upbringing has stayed with me all the way through and I have been lucky enough to work at the highest levels of the game," Tyler said in 2018, reflecting on his connection to the Surrey-based club.
He recounted his early experiences as a fan, including a bus journey to the Kingfield ground and witnessing a goal by winger Freddie Pink. Tyler recalled learning to watch football that day and has continued to do so throughout his career.
"I was really taken with the red and white halves that have remained my favourite kit ever since," Tyler said. He also noted his disappointment when Woking changed from their traditional colors.
Woking's academy manager, Matt Winter, described the occasion as significant, highlighting the recent upgrades to the facility. Winter acknowledged Tyler as a "real Woking legend, and a real football legend."
Winter detailed Tyler's ongoing involvement with the academy, stating that Tyler brings "knowledge of football over decades and a really good figure to have around the place." He added that the young players greatly benefit from Tyler's guidance and stories, with Tyler often speaking to them individually on and off the field.
Woking's first team is managed by Jermain Defoe, who took over in March. The team secured two wins, four draws, and one loss under his management entering the new National League season.