After 25 years of service, Jeff Stelling will step down as host of Sky’s Soccer Saturday.
After a 30-plus year career at Sky, including 25 years as the award-winning host for Soccer Saturday, the legendary broadcaster has decided it is time to retire.
The 66 year-old broadcast live on air that Sky Sports would be closing down, but that he was not retiring. He received a standing ovation and applause from the rest.
Sky’s Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling will retire at the end the season
On Saturday lunchtime, the 66-year old received a standing ovation by the rest of the panel
He said: ‘I have come to the incredibly difficult decision that this will be my last season.’
“This is my decision. There has been no pressure. Sky have been as brilliant with me as they have always been. I don’t intend to retire, but it is time for someone else to take over the job that is the best in the world.
Stelling has been synonymous to Saturday afternoon football over the decades, thrilling football fans all across the country.
Stelling’s departure will be announced next May by Sky after it fired Charlie Nicholas, Phil Thompson and Matt Le Tissier last January in a shakeup of the punditry panel.
Stelling also stated in a press release that he had enjoyed every moment of his 30 years with Sky. However, like every Saturday afternoon, the time comes to blow the last whistle.
“I am proud to be part of such an elite team and look forward to many more special moments on Soccer Saturday this season. Hartlepool United may even give me another promotion.”
Stelling, a huge Hartlepool fan, at an August 2019 game with his son Robbie (L), and club director Ian Stoble(R).
Jonathan Licht, Sky Sports’ managing director, said, “Jeff has been a huge part of Sky Sports growth over the past 30 years and its popularity.
“Jeff’s passion and dedication to the game have made Soccer Saturday a fixture for millions every Saturday afternoon.
“The goals, the laughs and the missed red card have made this one of the most popular TV programs in sport, and Jeff has been the centerpiece of it.
‘Jeff is going to be sorely missed. But we are happy that he will continue leading the team until the end. There will be many tributes and Sky Sports will be paying Jeff the great farewell in May.