Legendary sports commentator Clive Tyldesley meets Journalism students

With a career spanning over three decades, Tyldesley has become a household name, lending his distinctive voice to major football broadcasts across the BBC, ITV, and more recently, CBS Sports.

His voice is recognised by football fans around the world as the commentator who has covered some of the game’s biggest moments, including 17 UEFA Champions League finals and nine FA Cup finals during his 22 years with ITV.

The visit was for students on the Advanced Sports Journalism module, led by Journalism lecturer and Senior Broadcast Journalist Philo Holland, which offers students the rare opportunity to hear directly from industry professionals.

Clive’s visit to our MediaCity campus came after commentating on the thrilling Manchester City and Real Madrid match in the UEFA Champions League at the Etihad Stadium the night before.

During the session, he shared invaluable insights into the world of live commentary, including his preparation process, the challenges he’s faced in the industry, and advice for aspiring journalists.

The renowned commentator also discussed his book Not For Me, Clive which recounts some of his most memorable moments and encounters from his extensive career in football. The book provides readers with a behind-the-scenes look at the people and stories that have shaped his remarkable journey.

Third-year student Samuel Armitage, an aspiring football commentator said: “I really enjoyed Clive’s talk—there were some brilliant tips, and as someone aiming to become a football commentator, it was hugely beneficial. It’s fantastic that the University of Salford offers opportunities like this.”

Clive Tyldesley's visit serves as an example of the University’s commitment to providing students with direct access to industry professionals and helping to prepare them for successful careers.

It also serves as an indication of the type of industry speakers that the University will seek to provide to students undertaking its new BA Sports Journalism programme, which will welcome its first cohort in September 2025.

The programme is spearheaded by former NBC news reporter Dr Taylor Umland and will deliver specialist training from expert tutors across a wide range of multimedia sports content.