Andy Townsend
Getty

Andy Townsend will be a free agent next season after ITV announced it would not be renewing the co-commentator's contract, as the broadcaster prepares for life without Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup football.

Fans are today either celebrating or mourning the news that along with presenter Matt Smith, former Chelsea, Aston Villa and Middlesborough midfielder Townsend will no longer be behind the microphone for the terrestrial channel after the end of the 2014/15 season.

Derided by many, Townsend, who has been with ITV for 15 years and is said to have been offered roles by foreign TV channels, developed a reputation for making simple idioms including "yes", "no" and "there" seem equivocal.

Once voted the least favourite TV football pundit, the 51-year-old former Republic of Ireland captain can often be heard commenting "that was better" or for the ball to "get in" if he sensed a goal-scoring opportunity.

Andy Townsend's most overused phrases

"Get in" - precedes almost every half-chance that befalls an English side

"He's hit that one a little too well" - perfect is sometimes too good for Townsend

"For me, he should score there" - Townsend lays down the gauntlet

"Yes" - the commentator's verbal doff of the cap

"No" - Townsend does not like what he sees

"That was better" - hollered when a team starts to turn things around

"For me, Clive" - signals Townsend is about to impart an observation few people would agree with

Reacting to the news, fans showed little sympathy on Twitter:

There was some support for the innovator of the infamous Townsend's Tactics Truck:

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