BIANCA WESTWOOD has announced she has left Sky Sports after 22 years.
The reporter is set for a new career move with former Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling.
Ahead of the first show of the new season on Saturday, Westwood confirmed on social media that she would not be appearing.
Sharing a video of snaps from her time with the broadcaster, she told her followers: “I haven’t quite made enough money to retire unfortunately, but I am retiring from Sky Sports & Soccer Saturday.”
She made history by being Soccer Saturday’s first female match reporter when she joined the show.
Following her exit from Sky Sports, Westwood is set for a new role with Stelling in 2024.
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She is set to host his “An Evening with Jeff Stelling” tour, running through January and February.
The pair previously worked together on Soccer Saturday, regularly sharing banter with each other during matches.
Her exit comes after Sky trimmed down their complement of reporters ahead of the new season.
A number of reporters have been axed by the broadcaster, whilst others have been asked to take a paycut.
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Fellow fan favourite Geoff Shreeves was reportedly asked to take a huge pay cut to continue his 31-year career.
Six of Sky Sports’ 13 football reporters have been axed ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Meanwhile, Dickie Davis also announced his exit just hours before the start of Soccer Saturday.
He confirmed his departure in a farewell statement after 30 years with the show.
Westwood explained her exit in a lengthy post on social media, writing: “A bit like when I did my first match report, I didn’t want to make a fuss but I’ve had SO many messages & questions about where I’ll be today I thought I might as well let you know.
“I haven’t quite made enough money to retire unfortunately, but I am retiring from Sky Sports & Soccer Saturday. It’s been a phenomenal 22 & a half years & I’ve been a small part of building the channel into the giant of broadcasting it is today. What a ride!
“Being the first female match reporter on Soccer Saturday is something I’m immensely proud of & that can never be taken away from me. I’ve covered hundreds & hundreds of games, I’ve interviewed hundreds of players & managers. I’ve watched hours & hours of football. Years of experience (I said what I said!) that will live with me forever.
“For the most part, it’s been a blast. I’m grateful to you the viewers for watching over the years & for all your support. To those I’ve worked with who’ve been a big part of my life at Sky, you know who you are, thanks for the memories.
“On to the next chapter. Buzzing for it.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
