Soccer AM axed with TV show’s staff ‘raging’ at Sky’s bombshell decision
For the latest from the pitch sign up for our football newsletter
We have more newsletters
Sky Sports have decided to axe Soccer AM after 28 years (great age!) on the air.
The iconic Saturday morning show has been an ever-present on our tellies since 1995, but will close its doors at the end of the current season, leaving just 10 episodes left.
Staff were reportedly informed of the decision on Tuesday, which went down like a lead balloon, according to a source who told The Sun: "Morale is at an all-time low, they are raging," adding that hosts John Fendley Jimmy Bullard were "fuming".
READ MORE: Meet Soccer AM's original male presenter who starred on Sky's show before Tim Lovejoy
They added: "It's going to be an interesting watch over the next few weeks."
A Sky Spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday: "Soccer AM has played an important role in our coverage of football for the past three decades, and we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our customers.
"We now go into a period of consultation to discuss the proposed changes with our people. We are unable to provide more detail while these consultations are underway."
What will you miss most about Soccer AM? Let us know in the comments section below.
Fans on social media greeted the news with a mix of anger and sorrow. Some were devastated to see the show go, while others said they thought it was about to time to bring the curtain down.
"Absolute shambles. Best thing going on Sky Sports for 30 years and they've canned it," one fan fumed. "British television heritage. So sad to see it go," another commented.
"Gutted, but not surprised," a third tweeted. A fourth agreed, adding: "About time unfortunately. It hasn't been the same since Helen and Tim left."
It's understood the show's 10.30am Saturday morning slot will now be taken up by Saturday Social – which previously aired before Soccer AM at 9.30am.
When it first aired, the programme was hosted by a mix of Jane Hoffen, Russ Williams and Gary Stevens, but fans truly fell in love with Soccer AM when Tim Lovejoy and Helen Chamberlain took over in 1996.
In 2007, Lovejoy was replaced by Andy Goldstein, who was himself replaced my Max Rushden a year later. The show also spawned celebrity status for the likes of Tubes and Rocket, who were initially just members of the TV crew.
Tubes, real name Peter Dale, was a particular fan favourite, with his deadpan interview style during his weekly "one question and one question only" segment proving a massive hit.
Other segments such as Skills Skool, the Crossbar Challenge, Soccette and Top Bins have become iconic parts of football culture in the UK.
READ NEXT:
Soccer AM dance off winners and where they are now
Premier League aces on Soccer AM's Skill Skool – from Raheem Sterling to Danny Ings
Soccer AM teaser from 25 years ago has fans yearning for show's heyday
- Premier League
- Sky
Source: Read Full Article