Legendary commentator, 80, plays first few seconds of pre-season clash after having training ground named in his honour

MARTIN TYLER played the first few seconds of a pre-season friendly as his boyhood team’s training ground was named after him. The iconic commentator, 80, is a lifelong Woking fan and has been involved with the National League side in various capacities down the years, including as first-team coach. Martin Tyler kicked off a pre-season match aged 80 Credit: Corinthian Casuals The iconic commentator was quickly substituted Credit: Corinthian Casuals As they ramp up their pre-season schedule, Woking’s academy side took on Corinthian Casuals in a training ground game. To honour the facility being renamed “The Martin Tyler Performance Centre”, Woking selected the former Sky Sports star to start the match. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! In footage shared by Corinthian Casuals, Tyler can be seen kicking the match off. The microphone man then watches the ball sail out of play, before immediately being substituted. Woking went on to draw 3-3 in a productive outing for both sides. Ahead of the game, the Cardinals’ academy manager Matt Winter spoke of what an important occasion it was to be for the club. Winter said: “Tonight is the renaming of our academy facility that we have here within the grounds of Woking College. “It’s a really big occasion. A lot of work behind the scenes has gone in, in terms of upgrading the facility, to provide the best facilities for the players that are part of the academy here at Woking. Most read in Football CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Tyler was Sky Sports’ main Premier League commentator for many years Credit: Getty “Of course involving a real Woking legend, and a real football legend in Martin Tyler.” On Tyler’s influence at the club, Winter added: “My first dealings with Martin was working in the first team environment under Alan Dowson, a good friend of Martin’s. “We shared a real affiliation for Woking and when I became academy manager after a little while we had some good conversations and we invited him to get involved. “He brings another set of ears, his knowledge of football over decades and a really good figure to have around the place. “The boys absolutely love having him here, listening to his knowledge and stories. He’ll come and speak to players on a one-to-one basis, help some of them with their on-field stuff as well as off-field as well. “He’s been a massive addition and I know the staff love having him around.” Woking appointed Jermain Defoe as their new boss in March, with the former Tottenham striker beginning his managerial career with a dramatic 3-3 draw with Eastleigh in front of a watching Tyler. Defoe, 43, took charge of six games at the back end of last season; winning two, drawing three and losing just one on the way to finishing 10th. Jermain Defoe is in charge at Woking Credit: Getty Comment now