Sky Sports name legendary commentator Peter Drury as Martin Tyler’s replacement
Peter Drury will replace Martin Tyler at Sky Sports - calling it "the opportunity of my career".
Drury will continue to work for American broadcaster NBC Sports and combine the two roles. The 55-year-old is one of the game's most popular and experienced commentators but is rarely heard on English television due to his overseas commitments.
Sky Sports announced Tyler's departure on Saturday morning, ending his 33-year stint as their lead commentator. The 77-year-old, who started his commentary career in 1974, will continue to work for rival broadcasters and leaves Sky Sports on good terms.
Drury is expected to cover one game per week. He will work alongside Sky Sports' commentary team of Rob Hawthorne, Bill Leslie, Ian Crocker, Gary Weaver, Dan Mann and Seb Hutchinson. Co-commentators include Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.
"I’m massively excited to be joining Sky’s outstanding roster of commentators," said Drury. "To be working on the best games week in week out with a broadcaster that has told the Premier League story since the very beginning feels like the opportunity of my career and I can’t wait to get started."
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Sky Sports director of football Gary Hughes added: "We're looking forward to welcoming Peter Drury to Sky Sports. Peter’s one of the game’s most poetic commentators and will bring great energy and enthusiasm as well as his award-winning broadcasting experience to our unrivalled coverage of the Premier League."
Drury has more than 30 years experience across TV and radio and has been named the Football Supporters' Association's Commentator of the Year in three of the last four seasons, among other honours. He has previously worked for BBC, ITV and BT Sport.
Drury will replace Martin Tyler at Sky Sports (Getty Images)Are you happy with the news of Martin Tyler's replacement? Let us know in the comments below!
There were calls on social media for Drury to replace Tyler at Sky Sports after news of the latter's exit broke. Tyler has faced criticism in recent months, but he remains one of football's most respected commentators after a glittering 49-year career.
Tyler joined Sky Sports from ITV in 1990 and became 'The Voice' of the Premier League after the division's launch in 1992. He has covered many memorable moments, including Sergio Aguero's goal that clinched the Premier League title for Manchester City in 2012.
Tyler paid tribute to his Sky Sports colleagues when news of his departure was announced. He 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."
Hughes said: "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’ 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."
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