Martin Tyler is hands down the best soccer commentator in the world and for four weeks every fours years he has been one of us.

Thanks to a longtime friendship with SBS soccer czar Les Murray, Tyler has called the last few World Cup finals for SBS as well as for Channel Nine in 2002 when that network also had the rights.

Tyler's main employer is Sky Sports in the UK but because the British broadcaster doesn't hold the rights to the World Cup finals, Tyler becomes a free agent and for many years has opted to work for Australian TV.

But Tyler is changing camps next year and to be honest, you can't blame him. As part of its huge investment in soccer, ESPN has signed Tyler to be its lead commentator in South Africa, meaning that SBS now needs a new frontman, at least for the matches that don't involve Australia.

Tyler told Sports Illustrated's website that he recognised it was a big step for ESPN to hire a non-American lead caller. "The thing that I'd liken it to is what we have in reverse over here. We wouldn't put UK-based commentary on the NBA or NFL. The description of an American sport comes from American voices, and I think maybe those who have made the decision about me would like to get, if you like, a more global feel to what is a global game," he said.

ESPN has become quite mad for soccer. Those who watch the US version of Sportscenter would notice that Champions League news and highlights are now a regular feature and that the US national team is covered with the same zeal as the NFL and the baseball. ESPN.com's lead writer, Bill Simmons, now blogs and tweets on soccer and has clearly fallen in love with the game.

But the Americans are a parochial bunch and you have to be hoped that Tyler's commentary is not wasted on them.

Meanwhile, Les Murray now has a big decision to make about who will be the no.1 caller for SBS. Is his own David Basheer ready, or will the network scour Britain for another freelancer?

Unless the legendary John Motson is available, then sadly, we may have to settle for second best.