Iconic commentator Martin Tyler to leave Sky Sports before new Premier League season

Legendary commentator Martin Tyler will step down from his role as the 'voice of the Premier League' ahead of the new season.

In a statement to The Telegraph, Tyler said: "In my humble opinion, the huge corporation Sky is today has stemmed from Sky Sports’ innovative and inspired coverage of the Premier League.

"It has been a privilege to play a small part in the broadcasting history of the greatest league in the world. Along the way I have worked alongside legions of wonderful professionals in all aspects of the television industry. I thank them all for their support and expertise. It has been an honour to be a member of a very gifted team.”

Tyler, 77, has been recognised as the main voice of the Premier League thanks to his work on Sky - but the statement confirms he will not be retiring. Instead, it adds Tyler’s contract as a commentator will not be renewed.

Gary Hughes, Sky Sports’ director of football added: “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.”

Martin Tyler has worked with Sky Sports for more than 30 years

Tyler started his journalism career as a ghostwriter for Jimmy Hill’s column in The Times newspaper in the 1960s.

And he followed Hill to London Weekend Television - and then again to a regional ITV service. It was at ITV where Tyler got his first break as a commentator, his first game was in December 1974 from the Dell for Southampton’s home game against Sheffield Wednesday.

Tyler worked his first World Cup in 1978, and he was then selected as ITV's No.2, behind the legendary Brian Moore. However, there has only been one place to find Tyler since 1992: Sky Sports.

Jamie Carragher, who has worked closely with Tyler as a co-commentator for a number of years, posted on Instagram: "It was a privilege to commentate with the legend Martin Tyler - AGUEROOOOOO".

Football fans have been reacting to Tyler's exit too, and one tweeted: "The end of an era! A legendary broadcaster whose voice I associate with so many of my greatest Premier League memories."

While another added: "Interesting to see what Sky do. They need to go back to being serious but I fear they’ll go down the YouTuber/influencer route on a lot of things!"

"It’s all over for Martin Tyler, stepping away after what has been a pretty remarkable broadcasting career. The voice of some of the finest moments in football," a third said. And another added: "A legend in the commentary box but it’s the right time to leave..."

Tyler, however, isn't the only major figure leaving Sky Sports this summer. The broadcaster is axing half of its football reporters, revamping their team.

Soccer Saturday favourite Bianca Westwood, who has a great relationship with Jeff Stelling, is not being kept on, meaning she departs at the same time as the show's legendary host.

Lead-interviewer Geoff Shreeves, who has been with Sky for decades like Tyler, has been told to accept a pay-cut or go. While his future is up in the air, the likes of Guy Havord, Dickie Davis, Greg Whelan, Lynsey Hooper and Jaydee Dyer are all on their way out.

The Daily Mail report Emma Saunders is set to be the only female reporter to stick around, while David Craig, Patrick Davidson, Jonathan Oakes, Johnny Phillips and Luke Shanley have all survived too.