Martin Tyler has sensationally claimed that he was axed from his role at Sky Sports after 33 years, rather than him stepping down as was originally announced.
It was revealed in June that Tyler, who had become the voice of the Premier League for the broadcaster, was stepping down from his role, with Peter Drury succeeding him.
But Tyler, in conversation with the Sun, has now addressed his Sky exit, claiming that he was axed.
‘I didn’t step down, I was stepped down,’ Tyler told the Sun.
‘I haven’t retired. I’m very grateful to some channels who have decided that I’ve still got something to contribute.’
Tyler began at Sky Sports 33 years ago and became one of the most recognisable voices in the history of Premier League football, commentating Super Sunday as well as other programmes
While Tyler made it plain that the decision had been that of Sky, rather than his own, he went on to stress that he does not hold ‘bitterness’ towards his former employer.
‘Please don’t think there’s any bitterness about Sky at all, they gave me a wonderful run,’ he said.
‘I’ve got many friends there, I’ll be watching in the press room at the Emirates after the Arsenal-Brighton game, the coverage of Liverpool vs Manchester United and it’ll bring back a lot of personal memories. I wish everybody well.’
Sky declined to comment on Tyler’s latest claims.
Tyler’s pedigree speaks for itself having been the lead commentator on Sky Sports’ flagship weekend show, Super Sunday, prior to his departure.
He also featured prominently as well on other programmes – covering global events such as the Champions League, World Cup and European Championships for broadcasters in the US and Australia.
Tyler’s most famous commentary moment came during the climax of the 2011-12 season when Sergio Aguero netted Man City’s injury-time winner against QPR to snatch the Premier League title away from rivals Manchester United in the dying moments of the campaign.
His iconic line after Aguero’s goal – ‘I swear you’ll never see anything like this ever again! So watch it – drink it in’ – is still quoted today by a generation of football fans.
Gary Hughes, Sky Sports’ director of football, referenced some of those iconic moments in his tribute to Tyler during the summer when it was first revealed he was leaving Sky.
It read: ‘Everyone at Sky Sports would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Martin for his unparalleled contribution and dedication to our coverage over the last 30 years. “The Voice” will always be synonymous with the Premier League and Sky Sports.
‘When you think of commentary, you think of Martin Tyler. “Collymore closing in” [from Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Newcastle in 1996] and “Aguerrrrrroooooooooo” are two of the greatest moments in Premier League history. We thank him and wish him all the very best for the future.’
Taylor was commentating on Porto-Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League for TNT Sports
Tyler has not retired and football fans were caught off-guard when he was heard on commentary duty for Porto’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk.
Social media was awash with amazement when viewers realised that Tyler was the voice of the match coverage for TNT Sports.
‘Wait, what, Martin Tyler works for TNT Sport now,’ one fan wrote on X.
‘Am I having a fever dream or is Martin Tyler actually doing commentary on TNT Sports,’ a second added.
‘Since when has Martin Tyler done commentary for TNT?’ A third fan wrote.
