SCOTT MINTO has revealed he has also been axed by Sky Sports.
The former Chelsea defender has been let go just 24 hours after Matt Le Tissier and his fellow Soccer Saturday pundits Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson were also cut.
Scott Minto has been axed by Sky Sports
Matt Le Tissier and his fellow Soccer Saturday pundits Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson were also cut yesterday
Scott Minto playing for Chelsea in the 1990sCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
The three long-serving football experts were given the boot on Tuesday in a remarkable move by the TV company who have been aggressively cutting staff numbers.
Minto wrote on Twitter: “It is with a heavy heart that after 13 incredible years with Sky Sports I share the news that I will no longer be working with Sky and be part of their ongoing football coverage.
“While the decision wasn’t mine, I leave Sky with nothing but fond memories of covering the EFL, Play-Off’s, Carabao Cup, Spanish Football, Revista De La Liga, and many more.”
Minto, 49, continued: “It has been a truly fantastic experience and a privilege to work with, and alongside, so many talented individuals.
“I would like to wish the staff and teams at Sky all the very best for the forthcoming season – a season which is set to be truly spectacular both in the Premier League and EFL.”
He added: “ I am hugely excited by the future and will be sharing news soon of my next project. I look forward to being back on the screen soon.”
Minto began working for Sky Sports in 2007 after a playing career that included spells with Charlton, Benfica, West Ham and Rotherham in addition to the three years he spent at Stamford Bridge.
Sky told SunSport: “We are changing some parts of our football coverage – Matt, Charlie and Phil have done a great job for us over the years, and they will leave us with our sincere thanks and very best wishes.”
Confirming his dismissal, Le Tissier wrote on Twitter: “Enjoyed my time at Sky Sports, time to look forward to life’s next challenge, thank you for the support down the years and special thanks to the backroom team which include @CazzaEccles @CarlyBassett @tvtrevstats amongst many others, good luck all have a lovely day.”
Thompson said: “I’ve had a great 22 years on Sky Sports. Enjoyed every minute with some amazing people on the show and behind the scenes which made it the iconic show it is today. Good luck to Sky, Jeff, Merse and the new gang on Soccer Saturday.”
Presenter Jeff Stelling will remain, as will Arsenal legend Paul Merson.
It is thought that with the show’s panel being made up entirely of white men of a certain age, Sky felt that Soccer Saturday’s existing format had run its course.
Ian Wright blasted “racists” who blamed black pundits for Sky Sports’ decision to sack three Soccer Saturday stars yesterday.
Wright, 56, took to Twitter to blast viewers who said black pundits such as Micah Richards and Alex Scott are the reason behind the others losing their jobs.
The former England striker labelled the vile social media trolls as “racists” with “stinking unbrushed-teeth mouths” in the video.
Ian Wright blasted the racists who claimed Sky’s decision to axe Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas was the fault of black punditsCredit: PA:Press Association
He said: “I’ve had to pull the car over – the racism is going through the roof today.
“Can someone answer me this: what does Micah Richards, Alex Scott, Sol Campbell, Clinton Morrison or any other black pundit have to do with Sky’s decision to get rid of these guys?
“All because three middle-aged white guys got the sack… I kiss my teeth.
“Why are people upset? Alex Scott, for me, is easily one of the best-prepared pundits out there. Easily.
“Micah Richards is the most exciting pundit to hit the scene in years.
“Keep their names out of your stinking unbrushed-teeth mouths.”
Ex-Man City and England defender Micah Richards is a regular pundit on BBC and Sky SportsCredit: grab from BBC
Ian Wright hit out a “racists” who blamed black pundits like Alex Scott for Sky’s Soccer Saturday sackingsCredit: PA:Press Association
He added: “These guys Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson, have had an unbelievable run it’s been a great show, this happens to everybody in the industry.
“This is Sky’s decision to evolve the show – I wish them all the best, yes you can be disappointed that it’s come to an end for those guys.
“But why does it have to be racially-driven? What’s it got to do with Black Lives Matter? Or the fact that black people may get an opportunity to get those jobs?”
Sky have not announced who will replace the trio or Minto.
Stelling appeared gutted by the news, writing on Twitter in reply to Le Tissier: “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.”
Former Southampton superstar and England ace Le Tissier, 51, was a hugely popular member of Stelling’s Saturday team.
And “Le God” formed a brilliant relationship with Liverpool’s former captain and assistant manager Thommo, 66, and ex-Celtic and Arsenal star Nicholas, 58.
The three men clocked close to 50 years service between them with Sky and will be greatly missed by the millions of armchair football fans who tuned into the long-running Gillette Soccer Saturday show.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright responds to ‘racists’ blaming black pundits for Sky’s Soccer Saturday sackings
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
