JEFF STELLING has CONFIRMED he could quit Soccer Saturday after Sky Sports sacked pals Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson.
On Friday it was claimed the iconic presenter was tempted to call it a day after 25 years after his “best mates” were given the axe.
And Stelling has now taken to Twitter to confirm he will be giving his future a long, hard thought.
Stelling tweeted: “Thanks for all the messages of support – and even for most of those who have a different view, as I believe in free speech.
“So far no discussions have taken place, no decisions made.
“Only I know what I am thinking but it is important to listen to all arguments.
“Thanks again.”
One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departure of three of my best mates.
Jeff Stelling on Le Tissier, Thompson & Nicholas’ sackings
Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas were all given the boot by Sky Sports earlier this week as part of an aggressive cost-cutting measure.
The trio all had one more year to run on their current contracts.
And after the news of their sacking, Stelling tweeted: “One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departure of three of my best mates.
“They have been part of a team that for me was the best.”
Stelling has already worked through two regular panels now – with George Best, Rodney Marsh and Clive Allen coming before the most-recent group.
And reports claim Stelling is now considering whether he has the hunger to forge yet another strong on-screen partnership.
Of the five-man panel of regulars, only Stelling and Paul Merson appear to have retained their position, although the latter’s role is currently unclear.
However, even if Stelling does quit, he is likely to at least begin the 2020-21 season.
The presenter is believed to have a lengthy notice period weaved into his contract.
While the axed threesome’s replacements are yet to be named, reports claim Sky Sports are aware of the need for more diversity on the Soccer Saturday panel.
Micah Richards – who impressed as a pundit for Sky Sports last season – BBC Sport regular Alex Scott and talkSPORT star Laura Woods are all rumoured to be in the running for positions in the new-look Sky team.
Scott Minto is another Sky Sports star to have been axed this week, with the Football League pundit shown the door after 13 years of service.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
