Sporting KC announcers Callum Williams, Diego Gutierrez will not return

Sporting Kansas City will have new TV voices next season.

Callum Williams told The Star on Wednesday that he will not be back as the club’s play-by-play announcer after serving in that role for the past four seasons. He has also hosted a local Sporting KC radio show.

The club will also replace color commentator Diego Gutierrez, who will not return after one season.

Sporting KC will announce its broadcast plans for the 2015 season sometime later this month, according a team spokesperson.

Williams, who joined the team’s broadcast after serving as a soccer commentator in England, said his departure was the club’s decision.

“Obviously I’m disappointed not to be retained. However, there are no hard feelings,” said Williams, who has returned to England. “This is the industry we live in, and I wish nothing but the best of luck for the club, its staff and players.

“... It really has been a tremendous four years, and Kansas City will always have a special place in my heart.”

Sporting Club CEO Robb Heineman commented on Williams’ departure via Twitter on Wednesday evening.

“Cal was great for skc and captured some of our greatest moments with incredible skill,” Heineman’s tweet said. “What we want in that role is someone that will be here for the very long term and, like Cal, build a strong relationship (with) our fans. Understandably Cal has other career aspirations which doesn’t come as a huge surprise. Unfortunately sometimes things just don’t match up, but we wish Cal a great career, and he will always have a prominent place in skc lore.”

Charles Gooch contributed to this report.

This story was originally published December 10, 2014 at 3:43 PM with the headline "Sporting KC announcers Callum Williams, Diego Gutierrez will not return."