Legendary presenter Jeff Stelling has announced he will be leaving Sky Sports after 30 years of service with the broadcaster.
The iconic voice of Soccer Saturday, a mainstay of the UK football scene for decades, will leave the company as the Premier League season draws to a close. Stelling, 68, is best known for the long-running live score programme that he previously hosted alongside the likes of Paul Merson, Phil Thompson, Matt Le Tissier and former Celtic star Charlie Nicholas.
There was a shake up at Sky that saw Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas leave the show after long stints, but Stelling stayed on despite previously announcing in October 2021 that he would be leaving Soccer Saturday following the conclusion of the 2021/22 season. The English host will leave at the end of the campaign after mulling it over in recent years.
And Rangers hero Kris Boyd, reacting to the emotional farewell in the studio, couldn't resist a light-hearted joke at the expense of the host.
Stelling announced on Soccer Saturday: "It is groundhog day, yes it is. That time of the year, every year when I announce that I am leaving Sky Sports and Gilette Soccer Saturday but this time it is true.
"30 fantastic years on Sky, you lot out there have supported me massively as have Sky, it's time to give you a break from all the VAR rants and the bad gags. The over the top celebrations when Hartlepool score. It's time to give someone else a chance to do this fantastic job, so leaving on May 28. We've got a few programmes between now and then. This is the last six hour Saturday Soccer Saturday. We better get on with it."
Quick-witted Boyd, covering the Brighton vs Wolves game, responded to his news by saying: "Jeff actually before we get started. Your picture was up there on the big screen at Brighton as well, they were all clapping as well. They'll miss you."
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