Clive Tyldesley has talked up what makes Ally McCoist “magic” on the mic after the Rangers legend captured the hearts and minds of millions of fans during the World Cup.
McCoist's co-commentary, a staple north of the border, was exposed to a much wider audience four years ago when he teamed up with Jon Champion to cover matches during Russia 2018. His quirky historical facts about the cities he and his colleagues were staying and working in proved a huge hit with fans, so it was a no brainer for ITV to utilise him again in Qatar over the past five weeks.
Tyldesley is no stranger to broadcasting on the biggest stage himself, having been the channel’s top of the bill commentator for decades before being forced to take a step back in recent years. He’s still the man for the global stage though and was on duty in the Middle East alongside McCoist. Lionel Messi may have been the man everyone wanted to see holding the trophy aloft, and the football family got their wish at the weekend after Argentina claimed a third world crown at the expense of France, winning a thrilling final on penalties in the Lusail Stadium.
But McCoist is the guy they want providing the analysis and colour as they watch. And Tydlesley paid tribute to his colleague, explaining just what he has that make him a joy to work with and so popular with those watching at home, especially in an age where pundits’ comments are torn to pieces with regularity on social media.
“You are a serious football pundit,” he told the Daily Mirror. “You’re a funny guy, we all love you for that, but don’t underestimate your credentials. I think that the greatest single quality that a broadcaster has is warmth. Coisty has that warmth. He has the passion.
“But he has an ability to take a step back from the game and not become too precious or austere about it and talk about it in a way that people can relate to what he’s saying. The quality of his analysis is as strong as anybody’s. But his magic, his power is that you feel as if you’d like to go and have a pint with him. And by the way, if you got the opportunity, you’d love having a pint with Ally McCoist!
“He’s a magic man. He’s a huge football figure with all the credibility that goes with it. But he is a common man who is intensely likeable. And that comes out on air and makes my job being alongside him so much easier.”
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