Game replaces Tyler sing-song

MARTIN TYLER has been singing in the shower to keep the voice of television football in good working order through the lockdown. This has been his longest spell without describing goals and penalty-box drama in a 45-year career behind the microphone, and he has turned to pop hits from the 1960s to make up for the lack of ‘Aguerrrro’ moments. The Sky Sports commentator is back on Wednesday evening with the Manchester City v Arsenal match.that will be swiftly followed by Tottenham v Manchester United and Everton v Liverpool next weekend. He promises there will be no crooning once the action starts. “When you can’t commentate, you’ve still got to use your voice,” says Tyler. “I was given advice years ago – don’t be shy of singing. “Sing in the shower. Sing in the car. Sing along with the radio. One of my favourites is Bringing On Back The Good Times by Love Affair, from the late 60s.

“It came on the radio the other day and I thought, ‘Hopefully, that’s what we are going to do’. I won’t sing it at the game, but maybe in the car going home.

“It’s a way of making sure you can get excitement into your voice when it’s needed during a game. You can’t take it for granted.as a broadcaster it’s your most important tool.

“I give it a go with gusto, and the neighbours haven’t complained yet! I love all the old music from the pirate radio stations, and you can get them now, even the most obscure song you can remember from your youth.”

Tyler’s first match commentary was in December 1974. He had seen it all in football – until now.as for most people, the lockdown has been an endurance test, but he has enjoyed creating fiendish football quizzes for Sky.

He is delighted the Premier League is back, of course, and says: “I have spoken to a few players and they are bursting to go. I think the intensity of the games will lack for nothing even with empty stadiums.

“I think it’s significant – but we always have to remind ourselves there is a bigger picture as well.

“The tone will be important for the commentary. For football fans it is a big step towards normality. They’d love to be there, and we’d love them to be there, but that’s not possible at the moment.

“We don’t know how it will shape out, but we want to put a smile back on the face of football fans. I think this symbolises progress.”

There will be no-one better to put events into context. Tyler commentated on the match when Liverpool last won the title 30 years ago. He hopes to be there when Jurgen Klopp’s team complete their triumph.

Where do they rank with other great club sides?

“I’m not keen on comparisons between teams and eras,” says Tyler. “I think you should be judged in the moment.they are undoubtedly the best team this season and deserve to become champions. Nobody disputes that,