Clive Tyldesley: The Voice of Football Across Generations
Few voices in British sport are as recognisable as that of Clive Tyldesley. For decades, his measured tone, dramatic timing, and passion for the game have narrated football’s greatest moments. From World Cups and Champions League finals to the domestic fixtures that define the nation’s weekends, Tyldesley has become synonymous with football commentary. His career has spanned radio, television, and streaming platforms, making him one of the most enduring broadcasters in the industry. This article explores his life, career milestones, personal background, and the legacy he continues to build as a commentator.
Early Life and Education
Childhood and Background
Clive Tyldesley was born on 21 August 1954 in Radcliffe, England, a town that shaped his early passion for football. Growing up, he attended Kirkham Grammar School, where his academic promise was matched by an emerging love for sports and communication.
University Years
He studied at the University of Nottingham Business School from 1972 to 1975. While his academic focus was business, his true calling lay elsewhere. It was during these years that his interest in broadcasting blossomed, setting the foundation for a career that would see him become one of the most influential voices in sport.
The Early Years in Broadcasting
First Steps into Commentary
Clive began his professional career in broadcasting in 1975 with Radio Trent before moving on to Radio City in Liverpool, where he quickly became head of sport. These early experiences honed his craft in live commentary, a discipline that demands sharp observation, quick thinking, and eloquence.
Work with the BBC
By 1992, Tyldesley had joined the BBC as a commentator, adding another prestigious name to his résumé. For four years, he covered some of the biggest domestic and international fixtures, further cementing his reputation as one of Britain’s top sports voices.
ITV and the Rise to Fame
Becoming ITV’s Senior Commentator
In 1996, Tyldesley joined ITV, a move that would define much of his career. By 1998, he had become the senior football commentator, stepping into the shoes of the legendary Brian Moore. For more than two decades, his commentary guided viewers through the emotional highs and lows of the sport.
Major Tournaments
During his time with ITV, Clive covered:
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Five FIFA World Cups
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Five UEFA European Championships
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Seventeen UEFA Champions League finals
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Nine FA Cup finals
His words framed iconic moments, from last-minute goals to penalty shootouts, creating memories that remain etched in football history.
Working with Co-Commentators
One of his most memorable partnerships was with Andy Townsend, the former Republic of Ireland international. The duo became familiar to millions of fans, both on ITV broadcasts and through the EA Sports FIFA video game series, where their voices gave life to virtual football.
Departure from ITV
In 2020, ITV announced that Sam Matterface would replace Tyldesley as their lead commentator. Although disappointed, Clive remained dignified, continuing to work for ITV in a reduced role until Euro 2024, when his long and successful spell at the network came to an end.
Expanding Horizons: CBS, Amazon Prime, and More
New Roles in the Streaming Era
Since 2020, Clive Tyldesley has been a broadcaster for CBS Sports and Amazon Prime, adapting seamlessly to the new age of streaming. With CBS, he has been a prominent voice in Champions League coverage, bringing his authority and insight to American audiences discovering European football.
CommentaryCharts.com
Alongside broadcasting, Tyldesley launched CommentaryCharts.com, a personal project that sells reproductions of his hand-written match preparation notes. These charts, once a private tool of his trade, became popular memorabilia for fans who admire the meticulous preparation behind his craft.
Instant Recognition
Tyldesley has also been associated with Instant Recognition, another venture in his career that demonstrates his versatility and willingness to engage beyond the commentary booth.
Personal Life
Family and Relationships
Clive Tyldesley is married to Susan Tyldesley, a PR professional who runs DMC PR. The couple married in 2013 and live in Swallowfield, England. Together they share a blended family with four adult children. Clive has spoken about his daughter on several occasions, including her achievements as an endurance runner and her engagement, offering glimpses into his family life.
Previous Marriage
It is known that Clive was married once before, though details about his ex-wife remain private. He has always maintained a dignified balance between his public profile and his personal privacy.
Age, Nationality, and Other Facts
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Age: 71 years old (as of 2025)
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Nationality: British
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Spouse: Susan Tyldesley (m. 2013)
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Children: Four adult children from blended family
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Residence: Swallowfield, England
Published Work
In 2021, Clive released his book “Not For Me, Clive: Stories From the Voice of Football”, a memoir that offers insights into his long career, the pressures of live broadcasting, and the colourful stories behind the commentary box. Written in his trademark witty and approachable style, it is both a personal reflection and a broader history of football broadcasting.
Football Allegiances
One of the most common questions is: Who does Clive Tyldesley support?
He has openly admitted that he grew up a Manchester United supporter, attending matches at Old Trafford as a boy. However, as a professional, he has stressed the importance of neutrality. Today, he says he supports his friends in football rather than a single club, ensuring his commentary remains balanced and fair.
Legacy of Commentary
Style and Influence
Clive Tyldesley’s style is defined by clarity, timing, and an ability to capture the emotion of a moment without overshadowing the action. He has a knack for delivering lines that become part of football folklore. His preparation is legendary, with detailed charts and notes for every match.
Partnerships and Colleagues
Beyond Andy Townsend, he has worked with numerous co-commentators across his career, building rapport and maintaining chemistry that enhances the viewing experience. His adaptability to different partners demonstrates his professionalism and consistency.
Recognition and Awards
Throughout his career, Clive has been recognised with awards for his contribution to sports broadcasting, and his name has become synonymous with the very best in football commentary.
Professional Contact
For professional enquiries, Clive Tyldesley can be contacted via susan@dmcpr.co.uk, a reflection of the close partnership he shares with his wife both personally and professionally.
Conclusion
Clive Tyldesley stands as one of the most respected broadcasters in British sport. From his early days at Radio Trent to leading ITV’s coverage of global tournaments, and now with CBS and Amazon Prime, his voice has narrated football’s greatest triumphs and tragedies. His ability to blend passion with professionalism has made him a household name, while ventures like CommentaryCharts.com and his book ensure his legacy continues off the microphone.
Whether you remember him calling a Champions League final, working alongside Andy Townsend, or narrating your FIFA video game, Clive Tyldesley remains an essential part of football’s soundtrack. At 71, with decades of experience behind him, he continues to inspire the next generation of commentators while offering fans around the world the familiar and trusted voice of the beautiful game.
