An Interview with Martin Tyler
Martin Tyler is a world famous football commentator who I recently had the privilege of catching up with to ask him a few questions about his career. Martin has been the leading commentator for Sky Sports since 1991 commenating on countless Premier League and Champions League matches along with multiple World Cup matches. He was named the Premier League Commentator of the Decade and is l known for his memorable moments in commentary perhaps most famously such as Sergio Aguero’s last minute winner to win the league in 2012. Alongside his career as a commentator he coaches with Hampton and Richmond Borough and has worked on the popular video game series FIFA.
Q: As the voice of the Premier League for many fans, how did you first become a commentator?
A: I was very lucky. Nowadays there is a pathway into broadcasting through media courses and training schemes but they did not exist when I was young.
I wanted to be a player and reached a good non-league level and I was obsessed with football (still am) . Through a friend I heard about a new football magazine and managed to get a trial as a staff writer. Through the job I met some producers at LWT and later they offered me a role , as an editorial assistant on the LWT football output. For my own amusement I did a couple of commentary tests and then found myself in the right place at the right time when one of the ITV regions , Southern TV ( now Meridian) found themselves short of a commentator. As I say very fortunate.
Q: Which has been your favourite match of that you've covered?
A: Liverpool 4 Newcastle 3 April 3rd 1996. The twentieth anniversary was last Sunday and I have done a few interviews about it this week. Fantastic excitement from first whistle to last. Both clubs were going for the title but in the end neither won it.
Q: Conversely, is there a match that you did not commentate on that you wish you had?
A: 1966 World Cup Final. I would love to have said " England have won the World Cup"
Q: How much pre-match work goes into a 90-minute match commentary?
A: As long as I have from the previous game. If it's 3 weeks , 3 weeks. If it's 24 hours , 24 hours .
Q: How has the job changed since you first took it up?
A: In one way yes as almost all my games are now "Live". When I started it was recorded highlights. . Butt in another way not at all. The aim of the job is still the same. To identify the players and give relevant information.
Q: How does your role with FIFA the video game. compare to a real life match commentary?
A: Well there are no pictures to work to, but the match situations we are asked to describe are just as in real games. It is a case of using your imagination.
Q: How do you fit in coaching among your commentary commitments?
A: All the non-league players and coaches have other jobs . People just happen to know what mine is !!
Q: Is there any commentary line you're particularly proud of?
A: No--that is for the viewers and listeners to judge. My words are reactions -- not pre-prepared . I just try to capture the moment.
Q: Are there any moments you look back on and regret?
A: Plenty I am sure. I am very self-critical . You cannot do the perfect commentary but it does not stop you trying !! But looking back is only for improvement . I am always looking forward. The next game is the most important.
Q: What would you think you would be doing do if you were not a commentator and coach?
A: Whatever it would have been I would have been retired by now!!! I am very lucky to be able to continue in my chosen field. Sky Sports still show great faith in me and I am very grateful.
I would like to thank Martin for taking time out of his busy schedule answer my questions.
By James Dowden
