Summary
Overview
Clive Tyldesley, ITV's legendary football commentator, joins the podcast to discuss his remarkable career spanning four World Cups, four European Championships, and 17 Champions League finals. He shares candid stories about working with Brian Clough and Sir Alex Ferguson, reveals the intense preparation behind his craft, and provides fascinating insights into that iconic 1999 Champions League final in Barcelona. The conversation explores his relationships with football's biggest personalities, the art of commentary, and his work on FIFA video games.
Mentorship from Brian Moore and Reg Gutteridge
Two legendary broadcasters shaped Tyldesley's approach to commentary. Brian Moore, whom he succeeded at ITV, offered deceptively simple but profound advice about being warm and on time. Meanwhile, boxing commentator Reg Gutteridge pushed him to think critically about the art of communication, emphasizing the importance of knowing your audience and using words precisely. Their influence helped Tyldesley develop his distinctive style.
- Brian Moore told him there are only two things to remember: be warm enough and be on time
- Moore later revealed he was saying 'you're good enough, but not if you're shivering and not if you ain't there'
- Reg Gutteridge called after games to critique his work, teaching him to know the audience and story
- Gutteridge's biggest lesson: talk to your grandma, not to impress coaches - inclusive broadcasting welcomes people in
- Preparation isn't about doing research, it's about how you use it editorially
" Do you remember what I said to you that night? I said, yeah, I do, yeah. And it was particularly underwhelming, if you don't mind me saying. He said, no, what I was saying to you was, I think you're good enough, but you're not going to be good enough if you're shivering and you're not going to be good enough if you ain't there. "
" He said, was your grandma watching? I said, yeah. He said, well, she counts one viewer just as much as the most qualified coach. Talk to her. Inclusive broadcasting. Welcome people in. Don't try to impress people. "
Early Career at Nottingham Forest and Brian Clough
Tyldesley began his broadcasting career at Radio Trent in 1975, covering Nottingham Forest during their remarkable rise under Brian Clough. He travelled with the team as they won promotion, the league title, and two European Cups, developing a close relationship with players like Martin O'Neill. However, working with the unpredictable and alcoholic Clough proved challenging, with the manager subjecting him to tests of character from their very first meeting.
- Started as a broadcast assistant at Radio Trent in 1975, covering Nottingham Forest home and away
- Witnessed Forest's promotion, league title win, and European Cup victories while the same age as the players
- Martin O'Neill became his first great friend in football and remains close
- Clough tested him on their first train journey by forcing him to sprint out and buy a tie in 10 minutes
- Wore a shirt and tie to every match from that point until 1994, when he finally loosened it during a scorching LA Coliseum game
" He arrives 10 past 9 in a club blazer tie and I actually got on the most beautiful button down shirt but I didn't have a tie on and he saw me and he said young man you're very very welcome to travel with us today but when you do travel with the official party you do wear a tie... train leaves in 10 minutes. "
" I was home and away United did spend a season in the mid 70s in the second division and I missed about 5 games... if you told me as I joined Radio Trent that it would fade away but as soon as I got inside track and say these guys became my mates I was watching my mates play. "
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