Updated 13.35
JOHN GILES IS to leave his role as an analyst with RTÉ after Euro 2016.
The broadcaster’s beloved ‘Senior Analyst’, however, is not ready to hang up his punditry hat just yet, confirming he has no plans to retire once the tournament is over.
The 75-year old said, in a statement to The Herald:
“I’ve been approached recently about my position with RTE after the Euros and I want to clear up any speculation.
“In my negotiations with RTE Head of Sport Ryle Nugent last year, he made it clear to me that this was to be the final year of my full-time engagement with RTE. He said that this was designed to allow him to continue the requirement to plan and prepare for the future.
This was perfectly understandable to me and I signed the contract which finishes after the Euro 2016 final in France in good faith. But I want to make it perfectly clear that I’m not retiring or even thinking about it.”
He will continue to work with the Herald as well as his regular slot on Newstalk’s Off the Ball.
His departure, however, ends a 31-year tenure with the state broadcaster after joining in 1985 when he retired from management.
RTÉ’s Head of Sport Ryle Nugent paid tribute to Giles and his “phenomenal” contribution.
“I can confirm that John Giles will be leaving us at the end of our Euro 2016 coverage this summer,” Nugent said in a statement.
John has been an integral and much-loved part of our soccer coverage for over 30 years as well as a respected ambassador for the Irish football family as a whole.
“The Republic of Ireland’s participation in this summer’s tournament and RTÉ Sport’s coverage is an apt occasion for John to bow out at the top and we wish him all the very best with his future endeavours.
“It’s been a privilege to work alongside John through some of the most thrilling times for Irish soccer and his contribution to our programming has been phenomenal.
– First published 10.07
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