Martin Tyler: Voice of Football celebrates 40 years of commentary
Monday 29 December 2014 17:20, UK
Martin Tyler celebrated 40 years as a commentator on Sunday by returning to the club where it all began.
On December 28 1974, Sky Sports' 'Voice of Football' made his commentary debut covering Southampton v Sheffield Wednesday in the old Second Division - and on Super Sunday he returned to the south coast club to call their home game with Chelsea.
Tyler has been the voice of Sky Sports' football coverage since the creation of the Premier League 22 years ago and says he has plenty of magical memories from his years in the game.
He said: “The one I always talk about is the Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle with Stan Collymore closing in to win the game in the 92nd minute when Newcastle were going for the title. It was a fantastic game of football, with players who were wonderful.
“It was full of England internationals, and there was so much excitement. Everything you can get in a football match was encapsulated in that 90 minutes; Kevin Keegan draped over the advertising hoardings when he realised he’d lost the game, and possibly the title.”
Younger viewers may be more familiar with his commentary of Manchester City’s title-winning game against Queens Park Rangers on the final day of the 2011/2012 season.
“I’ll always be grateful to Sergio Aguero as after 38 years in the business, he made me an overnight success,” Tyler joked.
His current co-commenter and former Manchester United star, Gary Neville paid tribute to his colleague, saying: “It's a great privilege
"It’s been a magnificent achievement, not just the achievement of the longevity but the quality of the performance over the 40 years.
“And he certainly keeps me on my toes. You’ve got a commentator who knows more about football than me!”
