Legendary sports commentator and Champions League staple Clive Tyldesley OBE returns to Kirkham Grammar School
“The seven years that I spent here were the most formative of my life.”
Renowned sports commentator and former pupil Clive Tyldesley OBE returned to Kirkham Grammar School as guest speaker.
Returning to the school for its Upper School Speech Day celebrating the achievements of pupils past and present, Tyldesley is one of the most familiar voices in British broadcasting, with a career in radio and television that has spanned more than 50 years and encompassed some of modern broadcasting's most memorable football commentaries.
He continues to commentate on major UEFA Champions League fixtures for network television in the USA and was recently awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting and philanthropic work.
The occasion was particularly personal for Clive, who was a pupil at Kirkham Grammar School from 1965 to 1972, boarding throughout his seven years at the school.
Returning after five decades, Tyldesley reflected on the influence his school days had on his character and career, explaining that the return to Kirkham provided an opportunity to reflect on where his journey began and give back to the community that helped shape his future.
“Returning to KGS after 50 years is a very happy experience. The seven years that I spent here were the most formative of my life,” he said. “Being a football commentator on television was an ambition that I nurtured at Kirkham Grammar School. The importance that was placed on education at KGS gave me the foundation to pursue my future goals.
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My advice to young people who have ambitions to work in broadcasting would be that, in order to get ahead, start thinking like a professional now,” he added. “Ask yourself, ‘how could that have been better? How would I have written that story, commentated on that event, or edited that footage?'
“Getting the top grades is great, but it’s your experience that will convince future employers that you are serious about a career in media.”
During his address, Clive offered pupils advice on ambition, careers and developing professional habits from an early age. He also spoke about the importance of setbacks, humility, kindness and resilience alongside success, with the Speech Day recognising pupils' academic, sporting, and creative achievements, while celebrating the school's enduring relationship with its alumni.
“I hope that speaking at the Speech Day gives pupils food for thought that they can take forwards and use profitably,” said Clive. “I owe this place an awful lot, so if I can pass on anything that I learnt whilst I was here, then it’s my pleasure to be a part of that.”
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The Head, Mrs Kirsten O’Donoghue, who is also a former pupil of the School, said: “Having someone as successful, humble and inspiring as Clive Tyldesley OBE as our Guest Speaker was fitting for such an important event - the annual celebration of our pupils, both current and past.
“Clive spoke so eloquently about success and ambition, but also about setbacks, humility, kindness and resilience. At Kirkham Grammar School, education is as much about developing character and giving back to the community as it is about achieving good grades.
“Clive is a shining example of what a KGS education can lead to.”