Gutted fans warn Sky Sports will ‘lose half their viewers’ after Stelling exit
Jeff Stelling has announced he will be stepping down from his role as Soccer Saturday host at the end of the season – and fans fear the popular show is now doomed.
Stelling, 66, is set to leave the iconic Sky Sports results show that he has anchored for over 25 years, although he will not be retiring from television completely.
The legendary presenter made the shock announcement at the start of Saturday's broadcast, before adding in a statement: "I have loved every moment of my 30 years with Sky, but like every Saturday afternoon the time eventually comes to blow the final whistle.
"I am proud to have been part of such a winning team for so long and look forward to the many more special moments on Soccer Saturday for rest of this season – and perhaps even another promotion push from Hartlepool United.”
Stelling's departure has come as a major blow to Soccer Saturday fans, who believe the show will never be the same again.
Will you continue to watch Soccer Saturday without Jeff Stelling? Let us know in the comments section below.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ‘trying to mask Cristiano Ronaldo tension’ after sign of deception
One took to Twitter and wrote: "End of an era. Lol why".
Another commented: "Never be the same again! What an absolute legend Jeff has been".
A third had this pessimistic prediction: "Christ Soccer Saturday will turn like Soccer AM an abysmal shell of its former self."
Another posted: "They kicked out the ones he enjoyed working with and now they're gonna lose the best thing about the show".
While one simply said: "Sky about to lose half their viewers"
Stelling joined Sky Sports back in 1992 and went on to host their coverage of the Champions League between 2011 and 2015 as well as Monday Night Football for a brief period.
However, it is his much-loved work on Soccer Saturday that fans will remember most, producing countless iconic moments alongside colleagues Paul Merson, Charlie Nicholas, Chris Kamara and more.
Don't miss a thing with our football updates!
Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news?
Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star football email newsletter!
From the latest transfer news to the agenda-setting stories, get it all in your email inbox – don't miss a thing.
How do you sign up?
It only takes a matter of seconds.
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit 'subscribe'.
And that's it, job done. You'll receive an email with all of the top news stories every single morning.
You can find out more information on our email newsletter on this link here.
Some believe the departure of Nicholas, Matt Le Tissier and Phil Thompson last year has led to Stelling making the decision to walk away.
The popular trio were axed in August 2020 as part of a mass exodus at Sky Sports, which sparked plenty of controversy at the time.
Source: Read Full Article