Jimmy Bullard is named favourite to replace Laura Woods on talkSPORT
Jimmy Bullard is named the bookies’ favourite to replace Laura Woods on talkSPORT after Soccer AM axe – with Jim White and Jake Humphrey among leading contenders for flagship breakfast show role
- Jimmy Bullard has been named as the bookies’ favourite to replace Laura Woods
- Woods has confirmed she will be leaving her breakfast role on talkSPORT
- Jim White and Jake Humphrey have also been cited as potential replacements
Former Soccer AM presenter Jimmy Bullard has emerged as the early favourite to replace Laura Woods in her breakfast role on talkSPORT.
On Wednesday, Woods’ exit from the sport radio station was confirmed, with her last appearance to take place on Wednesday June 28.
At the end of May, Mail Sport reported that Woods will be helming newly-launched TNT Sport’s Champions League coverage next season, replacing long-serving presenter Jake Humphrey when BT Sport undergoes its summer rebrand.
The 35-year-old’s surprise departure has left talkSPORT with a hosting hole to fill in their flagship breakfast programme, with the broadcaster facing a race against the clock.
Bullard has become a popular sports presenter in the years that followed his retirement from professional football where he enjoyed spells with Hull City, Wigan, and Fulham.
Jimmy Bullard (left) has been named as the bookies favourite to take over talkSPORT’s breakfast show
Laura Woods announced her decision to leave her role at talkSPORT on Wednesday
Jake Humphrey has been given an outside chance of landing the talkSPORT gig after being dropped by BT Sport
His on-screen comedic antics could be swapped for behind-the-mic banter with Paddy Power citing the 44-year-old as the early 11/10 favourite to replace the popular Woods.
Laura Woods replacement odds
Jimmy Bullard 11/10
Natalie Sawyer 5/2
Jim White 10/1
Jules Breach 6/1
Jake Humphrey 14/1
Andy Goldstein 18/1
Gabby Agbonlahor 20/1
Jamie O’Hara 25/1
Helen Chamberlain 25/1
Kate Abdo 33/1
*Odds provided by Paddy Power
Bullard has been a growing figure in the organisation’s ranks, often co-hosting shows and building a relationship with the broadcaster’s fanbase, guests, and fellow pundits.
Natalie Sawyer is named as the second most likely option with bookies giving her 5/2 odds to take over from Woods given her popularity as an existing talkSPORT presenter and sports podcaster.
Sawyer rose to fame at Sky Sports and has continued to garner a reputation as one of the industries leading sports radio presenters.
Meanwhile, Jim White is well-priced to take over breakfast duties at talkSPORT, however moving to the morning slot could interrupt his hosting duties on the popular White and Jordan show.
Jules Breach is another well-backed option given her sports broadcasting experience and popular following.
Breach recently featured as part of BT Sport’s presenting team covering West ham’s Europa Conference League final victory and has also worked for ITV and the Premier League.
Humphrey has been given an outside chance that would see him swap positions with the departing Woods who has been earmarked to take over his Champions League presenting duties on TNT Sport’s.
However, it is expected that he will focus on efforts with his own production agency after being dropped by BT Sport.
At the time of his resignation, he explained: ‘Stepping back from BT will allow me space to pursue other projects and fulfil other ambitions. I’m excited.’
talkSPORT trio Andy Goldstein, Jamie O’Hara and Gabby Agbonlahor have also been named as potential breakfast hosts and could compete for the opening.
Kate Abdo has been given an outside 33/1 chance of taking over given her growing reputation presenting CBS’s Champions League coverage where she recently signed an exclusive deal with the American broadcaster.
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