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    Sky Sports in talks with TV star Roman Kemp to be part of football coverage after seven presenters left in huge shake up

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      Sky Sports presenter chokes up on final appearance as he leaves after nearly 30 YEARS with much-loved show axed

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      SKY SPORTS presenter Rob Wotton choked up as he waved goodbye after nearly 30 YEARS with the TV channel. Wotton joined Sky in 1998 and helped present coverage across all sports.Rob Wotton choked up as he waved goodbye to Sky SportsWotton was with Sky for nearly 30 yearsHe also presented The Football Show – which aired every Monday – but has since been axed. Presenter Wotton fought back tears as he signed the show off and his career on Sky for the final time. He said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure. I came here in my 20s and I thought I was only coming for a couple of weeks. “And look, they haven’t been able to get rid of me. I keep turning up, maybe one day they’ll pay me!” READ MORE IN footballWotton presented The Football Show with Stephen Warnock and Sue Smith – who helped give Wotton a farewell send off.Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was known to be a big fan of the analysis show. The German especially enjoyed coverage from ex-official Dermot Gallagher – who would join for a section called ‘Ref Watch’.According to the Daily Mail, The Football Show cancellation has caused confusion and “dismay” among staff.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt is claimed Sky chiefs want to attract a younger audience, with the broadcaster already doing away with various old-school elements in favour of YouTubers and influencers.Last year saw the end of the popular Fantasy Football League show after two years.Sky Sports – The Football Show – Guardiola Vs Klopp rivalryBut workers are thought to be “bewildered” by the latest item to fall victim, with Sky Sports currently undergoing a “restructure” that is seeing seven reporters and presenters leave.However, insiders told The Mail that “the changes are aimed at making them more agile and able to concentrate on breaking news stories across platforms.”While Gallagher’s Ref Watch will remain in a new format elsewhere. Wotton joined Sky in 1998He worked across all sports on Sky More

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      TV giants set to disappear from sports broadcasting after more than a DECADE

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      BT SPORT could be set to disappear from football broadcasting after more than a DECADE.BT is in advanced talks to sell its 50 per cent stake in UK broadcaster TNT Sports to US joint venture partner Warner Bros Discovery, according to the Financial Times. BT Sport could be set to disappear from football broadcastingCredit: GettyIt would end BT’s involvement in sports broadcasting after more than ten years, having entered the market in 2012.Warner Bros Discovery are said to have an option to buy out BT before the end of next year. Striking a deal will give the US media giant better control over the future of the sporting channels – which key for its business in Europe.BT and WBD declined to comment to FT. READ MORE IN football TNT channels — which have the rights to some exclusive Premier League football games — have been identified as non-core by BT chief executive Allison Kirkby.Kirkby has instead looked to refocus the company on its traditional mobile and broadband offering.TNT Sports was created after BT merged its sports division with Warner Bros Discovery’s Eurosport UK business in 2022.The company has a four-year contract to air 52 live Prem matches per season until 2029 and a four-year deal to show the FA Cup from 2025. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWarner Bros Discovery (WBD) are rebranding streaming service Max – already live in a number of European countries – back to HBO Max this summer.And it will also set to launch in the UK and Ireland by 2026. How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesThe HBO Max streaming service is due to incorporate content and live streams currently on Discovery+, including TNT Sports.  More

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      Sky Sports News ‘top reporters set to leave in channel transformation leaving staff shocked’

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      SKY SPORTS NEWS are set for another staff shake-up, according to reports.Well-known presenters and reporters could leave the broadcaster.Sky Sports News are set to make cuts in a shake-upThe broadcaster aims to adapt to the changing demands of its audienceStaff have reportedly been left shocked by the news – the latest in a string of cuts made by Sky Sports News.According to the Daily Mail, insiders have insisted the redundancies are not a cost-cutting measure.Instead, the broadcaster is aiming to become “more agile and better equipped to serve audiences”.Sky are understood to be keen to ensure their departments keep up with changing behaviours of audiences.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the broadcaster will continue to prioritise breaking news content.It is believed well-established reporters and presenters will be included in the cuts.A Sky Sports News spokesperson said: “We’ve shared proposals with the Sky Sports News team to change how we’re structured, aimed at making us more agile and better equipped to serve audiences across TV, digital and social.”A small number of roles are impacted, and we are now entering a period of consultation with those colleagues.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSSky previously made notable cuts in 2023, with several Soccer Saturday reporters being made redundant including long-term servant Bianca Westwood and Jaydee Dyer.Martin Tyler and Geoff Shreeves also left, along with Guy Havord, Dickie Davis, Greg Whelan, and Lynsey Hooper.Sky expert reveals seven hidden tricks to boost your TV instantly More

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      Gary Lineker confirms his future plans after MOTD exit and reveals why he snubbed Sky to stay with BBC

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      GARY LINEKER confirmed he will not be joining a rival broadcaster after leaving the BBC next year and will instead focus on his podcast empire.Lineker, 64, will step down as host of Match of the Day in May after 26 years in the presenter’s seat and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.Gary Lineker confirmed he will not be joining a rival broadcaster after leaving the BBCCredit: PALineker is leaving the BBC next year and will focus on his podcast empireCredit: GettyThere were questions regarding the England legend’s future and many wondered if he would sign with another channel amid intense specualtion involving Sky Sports.However, the former hitman insists he will not be seen on any TV rival and will instead be doing podcasts.Lineker told FourFourTwo: “I don’t think you’ll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast.”I’ll do the odd thing, but I don’t think you’ll see me appearing regularly on another channel.”Read More on FootballLineker admitted that there were talks with Sky but he was too loyal to the BBC.Thus, the ex-Barcelona star will be focusing on his esteemed Goalhanger Podcasts, which consists of shows including The Rest Is Football, which he hosts alongside MOTD pals Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, The Rest Is Politics and The Rest Is History.Astonishingly, all 13 pods collectively achieve more than 40million downloads a month.And according to Podwatch, who get their data from iTunes and Spotify, Goalhanger Podcasts occupy the top four spots in the UK.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLineker added: “We’ve had talks with Sky at various points, but I always wanted to stick with the BBC.”I could have earned a lot more, though I know I’ve been well paid anyway, obviously.Gary Lineker blames Sir Alex Ferguson for Man Utd’s decline as he points to ‘state’ club left in”I’ve had offers to go elsewhere but I just loved being with the BBC, and also how it helps everything else you do.”It’s not only the kudos, the audience is much bigger. More people still watch Match of the Day than probably the biggest live game on Sundays.”Also, I’m quite loyal. I’ve had the same guy cut my hair for 40 years, the same guy training me in the gym for 30 years, the same agent since I was 18…”Lineker will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisted of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan from next season.Mark Chapman will be among Gary Lineker’s replacementsCredit: PAChapman will be joined by TV star Gabhy LoganCredit: PAKelly Cates will complete the three-person presenting teamCredit: PA More

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      When is the FA Cup 5th round draw? FREE live stream, TV channel and start time as Man Utd discover opponents TONIGHT

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      THE FA Cup fourth round has produced some huge upsets over the weekend.Most notably, Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle beat Premier League leaders Liverpool 1-0 on Sunday.Ryan Hardie was the hero for Plymouth against LiverpoolCredit: GettyRyan Hardie’s 53rd-minute penalty was enough for the Pilgrims to pull off a huge giant-killing at Home Park.Just two fourth round ties remain to be decided, with Doncaster Rovers taking on Crystal Palace on Monday, February 10, and Nottingham Forest travelling to Exeter City on Tuesday, February 11.But fans don’t need to wait long until the FA Cup fifth round draw!When is the FA Cup fifth round draw?The FA Cup fifth round draw will take place on Monday, February 10.It will be broadcast live on BBC One and available for free live streaming on iPlayer and the FA Cup’s official YouTube channel.It will be conducted at 7.10pm GMT during The One Show.SunSport will also live blog the draw with all the build-up and reaction.When are FA Cup fifth round fixtures?Fixtures are set for the weekend of March 1 & 2.However, like with this weekend, fixtures are expected to be placed in various time slots from Friday to Monday.Both BBC and ITV have broadcasting rights to the competition.FA Cup fifth round ball numbersHere are the all-important ball numbers ahead of the FA Cup fifth round draw:Manchester UnitedMillwallBrightonPreston North EndExeter or Nottingham ForestIpswichWolvesFulhamNewcastlePlymouthBournemouthAston VillaBurnleyManchester CityDoncaster or Crystal PalaceCardiff City More

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      When is the FA Cup fifth round draw? Live stream, TV channel and start time

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      IT’S FA Cup fourth round weekend! Which also means the draw for the fifth round of the Cup will take place after the fixtures are done.Ruud van Nistelrooy returns to Manchester United on Friday nightCredit: RexOn Friday night, Manchester United kick off the action against Leicester City as Ruud van Nistelrooy returns to his old stomping ground.There will be 10 fixtures taking place on Saturday – including the likes of Leyton Orient vs Manchester City – and a further three on Sunday afternoon.Doncaster Rovers host Crystal Palace on Monday, February 10 and Nottingham Forest then travel to Exeter City on Tuesday, February 11.Before those two matches are over, the teams will already know exactly who they will be facing in the next round.When is the FA Cup fifth round draw?The draw is set to take place on Monday, February 10.It will be broadcast live on BBC One and live streamed on iPlayer.It will be conducted at 7.10pm GMT during The One Show.SunSport will also live blog the draw with all the build-up and reaction.When are FA Cup fifth round fixtures?Fixtures are set for the weekend of March 1 & 2.However, like with this weekend, fixtures are expected to be placed in various time slots from Friday to Monday.Both BBC and ITV have broadcasting rights to the competition.What teams are in the hat for the FA Cup fifth round?At the time of writing, no FA Cup fourth round fixtures have been played. The fixture list is below – this will be updated over the course of the weekend.Most read in FA CupFriday, February 7Manchester United vs Leicester City – 8pm – ITV1 / ITVXSaturday, February 8Leyton Orient vs Man City – 12.15pm – BBC1 / iPlayerLeeds United vs Millwall – 12.15pm – not televisedCoventry City vs Ipswich Town – 3pm – not televisedPreston North End vs Wycombe Wanderers – 3pm – not televisedStoke City vs Cardiff City – 3pm – not televisedSouthampton vs Burnley – 3pm – not televisedEverton vs Bournemouth – 3pm – not televisedWigan Athletic vs Fulham – 3pm – not televisedBirmingham City vs Newcastle United – 5.45pm – BBC1 / iPlayerBrighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea – 8pm – ITV4 / ITVXSunday, February 9Blackburn Rovers vs Wolverhampton Wanderers – 12.30pm – BBC Red Button / iPlayerPlymouth Argyle vs Liverpool – 3pm – ITV1 / ITVXAston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur – 5.35pm – BBC1 / iPlayerMonday, February 10Doncaster Rovers vs Crystal Palace – 7.45pm – BBC Red Button / iPlayerREAD MORE SUN STORIESTuesday, February 11Exeter City vs Nottingham Forest – 8pm – ITV1 / ITVX More

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      Fans say ‘they make it look easy’ as Sky Sports give behind-the-scenes look at Soccer Saturday production

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      SKY SPORTS have left fans stunned with an amazing behind-the-scenes video showing how they make Soccer Saturday work.The show – originally named Sports Saturday – began in 1992 and has been a mainstay on TV, with former host Jeff Stelling becoming a household name on the programme.Sky Sports have lifted the lid on how the magic happens at Soccer SaturdayCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballProducer Sam dishes out verbal prompts, directions and updates throughout the programmeCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballPresenter Simon Thomas then reacts and presents, ushering the show to the next relevant updateCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballThe directing includes telling the analysts when they will speakCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballHowever, Sky Sports have now lifted the lid on the breathless production cycle of the show.Taking to social media, the broadcaster shared a video showing how the magic happens featuring a split viewing of what fans see and what the happens in their studio, led by Producer Samantha Mills.The clip shared online showcased how everything was kept ticking over on November 2, with a stream of instructions and pointers being handed to host Simon Thomas throughout.It started out with Thomas, 52, being directed to go to analyst Sue Smith.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThomas was then directed to go to Tim Sherwood watching Bournemouth v Manchester City game, before he was told to cut to an on-site reporter with a prompt of there being two goals since the last time he was spoken to.This hectic switching carried on for the duration of the matches, with updates, directions and verbal prompts being handed out constantly.Reacting to the two minute 16 second video clip, one user said: “Interesting. Harder job than it looks.”A second said: “Wow, a lot behind this.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third added: “Blimey. I hope that lady is paid as much salary as the presenters. She deserves it!”Another said: “This is beyond impressive! Both the producer and the host are absolute legends for being able to handle this!”Fans baffled as Paul Merson ‘dresses like a lemon’ for Sky Sports Soccer Saturday return… but there’s a reason for itA fifth said: “They make it look easy. Incredible work team.”Thomas took over as the show’s sole presenter in 2023 after Stelling left the show after more than 25 years at the helm. More

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      Watch Roy Keane show off acting skills in hilarious ad featuring punchline around his best catchphrase

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      ROY Keane has pivoted to the world of showbiz…baby!While he’s been a fixture of Sky Sports’ punditry crew for several years now, the last 12 months have even seen him routinely display his acting chops.Impressionist Conor Moore AKA Conor Sketches was initially set up as the inhabitant of Keane’s characterCredit: @SkyIreland…until the camera pans over to the man himself amongst the crowdCredit: @SkyIrelandHis latest acting bid shows he can deliver an amusing pre-prepared line as well as the off the cuff remarks that are a hallmark of his footy analysis.The 53-year-old is of course quoting himself in each case as he and impressionist Conor Moore go back and forth.The backdrop is an homage to Keane’s infamous Ipswich Town press conference where he lost it with one of the assembled journalists for not having their phone on silent.As well as an obligatory ‘That’s his job’, there’s also an allusion to one of the Man United icon’s more recent one-liners.While promoting the release of Sky Ireland’s mobile launch, Keane argues with his impostor that mobile phone coverage DOES now fall under the remit of the telecommunications giant.To do this, Moore fires back: “Relax…baby!”It was Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson whom had been labelled as such last season after he continually complained about being elbowed by a linesman.While the official was in the wrong for doing so, it was hard not to feel sympathetic to him when he and his colleagues have to ceaselessly deal with such whinging from Premier League stars.Most read in FootballThe Scotland captain is among the bigger mouthpieces in the division so Keane didn’t have any concern for him.At the time he vented: “He should be more worried about his defending.Jill Scott ‘reveals’ Roy Keane’s phone pass code leaving Man Utd hardman looking embarrassed “Do you know what he is that Robertson, I’ve watched him a number of times.”He is a big baby! That’s what that guy is…a baby!”Just get on with the game and concentrate on your defending.”Fans on social media were left in stitches by Keane’s comments.One wrote on Twitter: “Roy Keane calling Robertson a big baby is just amazing.”Another said: “Roy Keane is punditry gold – ‘Andy Robertson is a big baby’.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd a third quipped: “What I love most about the linesman incident is Roy Keane calling Robertson a big baby.”The linesman in question, Constantine Hatzidakis, ultimately copped a one-week ban for losing his cool in such extraordinary fashion. More