Soccer Saturday presenter Jeff Stelling has announced that he will be leaving the show at the end of the season.
Stelling has been at the helm of Sky Sports' flagship Saturday programme since 1994, when it was still known as Sports Saturday before it changed names in 1998.
Known for his engaging, energetic presenting style, Stelling has been cited as a major reason for the popularity of the programme.
Stelling's departure will be the latest change to the Soccer Saturday lineup. Stalwart studio pundits Phil Thompson, Charlie Nicholas and Matt Le Tissier left the programme in August 2020.
Stelling made the announcement live on Saturday's edition of the programme.
"I have come to the decision - a very difficult decision - that this will be my final season at Soccer Saturday", Stelling said.
"I'll have been at Sky for 30 years - I know it's hard to believe, with these youthful looks."
"It's been my decision; there has been no pressure whatsoever. Sky have been absolutely brilliant with me, as they always have done."
🚨 | Jeff Stelling announces that he is leaving Soccer Saturday at the end of the season pic.twitter.com/2WvGmsJVa0
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 30, 2021
Stelling: "It's time to let someone else have a go"
"I'm not intending to retire - that's up to people out there, really", Stelling added. "But it's time to let someone else have a go at what is the best job in the world."
"After all, I wouldn't want to get to the stage where I'm calling Raith Rovers 'Roth Raivers'!"
"So, I'm gonna be here until May, and then leaving the show and the company - that's about 7 months of Saturday afternoon parties, so let's get the party started."
Stelling's statement was greeted by a standing ovation from Paul Merson and the rest of the studio pundits on Soccer Saturday.
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