Andy Townsend Ditched From ITV Football Coverage

Posted by

Former Chelsea and Villa man dropped from prime time slot.

ITV Sport have confirmed that they will not be renewing the contract of opinion splitting pundit Andy Townsend when his deal expires at the end of the season, according to the Daily Mail.

SEE MORE
Manchester United News And Transfer Rumours
Liverpool Linked With Shock Deal to Sign Former Manchester United Captain
Manchester United Complete Signing Of Former Barcelona Star, Reports The Times

Having lost their FA Cup and live Champions League and Europa League rights, the mutual decision to part ways is perhaps a natural one, though still surprising.

Townsend made a name for himself as a co-commentator, and still wants to work on live football and as such will seek to move on to carry on with international broadcasters.

The 51-year-old former Aston Villa and Chelsea midfielder is currently ITV’s leading co-commentator, working alongside Clive Tyldesley for England matches and at major tournaments and Champions League games.

The company’s decision to shed some high profile personnel could come as a slight shock, though, as ITV are expected to go up against the BBC and Sky for the rights to Premier League highlights in a TV rights auction next month.

ITV presenter Matt Smith will also make way.

More Stories Andy Townsend europa league International Football ITV UEFA Champions League