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      in Soccer

      Soccer Saturday fans heartbroken and ‘missing Jeff Stelling’ as Sky Sports show off ‘ABOMINATION’ new-look studio

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      SOCCER SATURDAY fans are divided after seeing the show’s new-look studio.And punters are also unhappy with the absence of Jeff Stelling as the Sky Sports programme begins without the Hartlepudlian for the first time in 25 years.
      Soccer Saturday returned with a new-look studioCredit: Sky Sports
      Simon Thomas took over from Jeff Stelling after his 25-year stint presenting the showCredit: Sky Sports
      Simon Thomas began presenting the show on Saturday as the first weekend of the 2023/24 EFL season continued.
      And Sky Sports have also debuted a new style of set-up in the studio with the desks, layout and graphics slightly altered.
      It comes after BT Sport ditched their equivalent matchday coverage at the end of last season.
      But some viewers were outraged by Sky’s changes – with many comparing it to a gameshow.
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      Reacting on social media, one person said: “Look like contestants on a game show ffs.”
      Another added: “Soccer Saturday is finished…”
      And a third replied: “This new set/studio is an abomination. Turned into the BT Sport version.
      “Feel like they’re about to do a game show and smash their buzzers.”
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      However, others defended the new-look approach.
      One said: “Seen a lot of negativity about the new Soccer Saturday lineup. I think @SimonThomasTV is doing a cracking job and studio is a look towards the future!”
      And a second reacted: “@SimonThomasTV superb intro and energy on what’s going to be a very tough #SoccerSaturday gig.
      “Great to have you in the hot seat. Enjoy every moment! Keep a good mix of football discussion and humour.”
      Stelling departed Soccer Saturday at the end of last seasonCredit: Sky Sports More

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      in Soccer

      History-making Sky Sports legend quits after 22 years and announces new career move with Jeff Stelling

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      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.
      Bianca Westwood has left Sky Sports after 22 years
      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.” More

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      in Soccer

      Sky Sports legend QUITS just hours before Soccer Saturday relaunch with emotional social media post

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      DICKIE DAVIS has LEFT Sky Sports after 30 years with the broadcaster.Davis has been a staple of Sky’s footie coverage down the years, thrilling fans with his insightful, concise and at times funny reporting.
      Dickie Davis has left Sky Sports after a 30-year stint with the broadcasterCredit: SKY SPORTS
      Davis was a staple of Sky’s footie coverageCredit: TWITTER@DICKIESOCCERSAT
      The veteran broadcasting has interviewed a who’s who of Premier League stars down the yearsCredit: TWITTER@DICKIESOCCERSAT
      But he’s decided to move on to pastures new after three decades with the British broadcasting powerhouse.
      He said in his farewell statement read: “I’m leaving Sky Sports after nigh on 30 years.
      “It’s been an absolute privilege chatting to players and managers – and reporting on games every week on such a successful show.”
      Davis was best known for his reporting on Soccer Saturday, which has undergone major changes following Jeff Stelling’s departure in May.
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      And he was quick to issue a lengthy thank you to his now former colleagues and fans.
      His statement continued: “To all those I’ve worked with; the camera ops, the clubs, the players, the managers and all the producers who’ve backed me, the Soccer Saturday team behind the scenes, Jeff and Jules, the Sky family – a huge thank you.
      “And to the fans up and down the country, I’ve bumped into on trains or at games, thanks for watching and your kind words have always been appreciated.
      “It’s been an absolute honour. Here’s to whatever comes next.”
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      Davis’ departure came a little over TWO HOURS before the relaunch of Soccer Saturday.
      The iconic show – which features several big-name pundits – was anchored by Sky icon Stelling.

      But long-time Sky presenter Simon Thomas has taken the reigns and will make his debut in the hot seat this afternoon.
      After being named as Stelling’s successor, former Blue Peter presenter Thomas said: “This is a huge moment for me and my family and a massive honour to be trusted with such a well-loved and respected program.
      “It also feels incredibly special to be fully coming back to the Sky Sports family, who all those years ago believed in me after leaving Blue Peter.
      Simon Thomas will be the new face of Soccer SaturdayCredit: PA
      “I also just want to say thank you to my wonderful wife Derrina for always believing in me and my family and friends for always having my back. See you on August 5!”
      Sky Sports has undergone major changes over the last few months, with several of their big-name pundits and reporters leaving.
      Iconic commentator Martin Tyler – who spearheaded the broadcaster’s commentary team for 33 years – left in June.
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      He was followed out the exit door by veteran reporter Geoff Shreeves, who announced his departure last month.
      And former Liverpool skipper and manager Graeme Souness stepped down from his punditry role with the organisation in April. More

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      in Soccer

      Simon Thomas teases fans about a ‘new look Soccer Saturday’ as Sky Sports presenter admits he is ‘a bit nervous’

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      SIMON THOMAS has teased football fans that Soccer Saturday will have a “new look” when the show returns tomorrow.The presenter was named the show’s lead after replacing the long-standing Jeff Stelling.
      Simon Thomas has teased fans about a ‘new look’ Soccer Saturday
      He will be hosting the show this seasonCredit: PA:Press Association
      Former host Jeff Stelling stepped down after 30 years at the end of last seasonCredit: Getty
      Thomas, 50, admitted that he is “a bit nervous” about starting in the role.
      In a video on Instagram, he said: “The night before the football season returned in full and not a sound in the house could be heard.
      “I know the season returns tonight with Sheffield Wednesday against Southampton, but tomorrow is the return of Soccer Saturday with a new look, a new studio and a new host.
      “And I will be honest enough to say I am a bit nervous.
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      “I think nerves are good, I would be a bit worried if I had no nerves.
      “Healthy nerves are good, overwhelming nerves, not so good.
      “But I am feeling okay, I have been working really hard for the last month to try and catch up on everything.
      “Because it has been a long time since I was involved in football full-time, obviously I have been doing bits and bobs for Amazon Prime over the last three seasons, which has been amazing.
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      “But now I am fully back at Sky, and I am really excited, the Soccer Saturday team a brilliant team.
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      “I know that the pundits that are with me tomorrow, Paul Merson, Clinton Morrison, Michael Dawson, Sue Smith and Neil Lennon is popping in, so I know I am in safe hands.”
      The former Blue Peter star has won the race for the iconic job – six years after leaving Sky Sports following the tragic death of wife Gemma.
      The respected broadcaster quit his full-time job in 2017 to care for his son when wife Gemma died just three days after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
      And Thomas admitted in an emotional statement that he never thought he’d end up hosting Soccer Saturday, thanking new wife Derrina and his family and friends for their support.
      Thomas is not the only new face joining Soccer Saturday next month.
      Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has landed a role offering insight into games from the perspective of an official.
      He secured the job just 24 hours after quitting football, leaving his role as a video assistant ref in the process.

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      in Soccer

      Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher fear getting Sky Sports axe and admit job could be ‘taken away any from us’

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      GARY NEVILLE and Jamie Carragher have both admitted they cannoy rest on their laurels or they will risk the Sky Sports axe.The two legendary greats regularly go head-to-head in debates while covering the Premier League for the broadcaster.
      Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville are worried for their futures at Sky SportsCredit: Alamy
      Soccer AM was recently cut as part of the company’s shake-upCredit: Sky
      While Geoff Shreeves has also recently left the broadcasterCredit: Getty
      The former Manchester United and Liverpool defenders are the stars of Monday Night Football and offer brilliant insight into the game.
      However, with Sky Sports recent freshen-up that has seen Soccer AM axed and some of the channel’s star names leave, they are both concerned over their futures.
      Neville told FourFourTwo: “I don’t really think about how long it’s been. But it is hard, you know. It’s not playing football, it’s not being a manager, but anyone who looks at it and thinks, ‘Oh, they’re just on television, talking about football’… well, yeah, OK.
      “But there are thousands of jobs all over the world now doing this, so to stay at Sky, the Premier League rights-holders in this country, and on shows like Super Sunday and Monday Night Football, the demands are high.
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      “To stay there for several years is an achievement, because it’s probably a gig that most people would want. If you think of the top gigs in football punditry, there’s only three or four.
      “Working on major tournaments, Match of the Day, Monday Night Football – they’re the pinnacle of football broadcasting.
      “We know it will be taken away from us the minute it doesn’t work any more, so we’re very conscious of making sure we change things all of the time.”
      Carragher added: “Yeah, we know what viewers think because we’re viewers ourselves, and you don’t want to watch exactly the same thing every single season.
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      “I don’t want to do that and I don’t think Gary does. We always want new ideas, different guests, different formats.
      “Friday Night Football, which we’ve done for the last three or four years, was a good example: the format was completely different to the other shows that we do.”
      Soccer AM had been on screens for nearly 30 years until Sky sports pulled the plug on the show.
      While personnel-wise, commentator Martin Tyler has left the broadcaster and been replaced by Peter Dury and pitchside reporter Geoff Sheeves also left the company after three decades.
      Martin Tyler left Sky Sports earlier this yearCredit: Getty
      The changes have been in the air for a while, as the broadcaster sacked Soccer Saturday trio Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson before the 2020/21 season.
      Neville joined Sky in 2011 following his sack from LaLiga side Valencia while Carragher joined up with his former rival two years later. More

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      in Soccer

      Saudi Pro League sparking huge battle with UK broadcasters fighting for TV rights and major channel could enter race

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      SKY SPORTS are weighing up a potential last minute attempt to join the auction for the rights to the Saudi Pro League.The summer’s shock spending splurge of £460m and counting, following the bankrolling of the state’s four biggest clubs by the country’s Public Investment Fund, has made Saudi ambition the talk of the football world.
      British fans will be able to watch Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League next seasonCredit: Getty
      League bosses have engaged global agency IMG to sell the TV rights for this season in the UK.
      The competition will take place next week.
      SunSport has been told that at least two broadcasters have registered an interest in snapping up the rights.
      It is unlikely to be sold at astronomical prices with the Saudis agreeing the growth of the brand will come from eyeballs on the product.
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      And while Sky have yet to make an official approach, SunSport understands that a potential bid is being discussed.
      Although a final decision by the company is yet to be made.
      It is expected that league chiefs will announce their UK broadcast partner early next week, likely to be in a two-season deal.
      Several high-profile stars have followed Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo to the Gulf state this summer.
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      Best paid stars in the Saudi Pro League
      CR7 will join forces with Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, Seko Fofana and Alex Telles next season.
      Rivals Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad have also spent big this summer on top stars like Riyad Mahrez, Ruben Neves and Karim Benzema and many more.
      Fans will also be able to watch Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq, who have added ex-Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson to their ranks. More

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      in Motorsport

      Who are the Sky F1 presenters?

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      THE Formula 1 season always brings with it high-octane drama as the drivers hit the track to defeat the competition and end the season on top.Sky Sports has an array of star hosts and former champs who lead fans through the action from the commentary box, around the paddock and on the grid.
      Sky F1 has an incredible line up of talented presentersCredit: Getty
      Who are the Sky F1 presenters?
      As usual Sky has an impressive presenting line-up for Formula 1’s 2023 season.
      There are many familiar faces who feature as the UK broadcaster rotates its crew throughout the racing calendar.
      The season kicked off on March 5 in Bahrain, and will conclude on November 26, 2023, in Abu Dhabi.
      A line-up of 14 presenters lead fans through the action on Sky.
      Read more on F1
      Jenson Button
      Former F1 champ Jenson Button is part of the Sky coverageCredit: PA
      Formula 1 driver and 2009 World Champion Jenson Button is one of SKy Sports’ experts in 2023.
      He first appeared on Sky F1’s coverage for the 2018 British Grand Prix, and was an instant hit with viewers.
      Button then became part of the presenting team in 2019.
      Rachel Brookes
      Rachel Brookes is a firm fixture on Sky F1
      Starting her career in radio, presenter Rachel Brookes now works full time for Sky Sports News.
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      She is well-known for her contributions as a pit-lane reporter.
      However, Brookes has occasionally filled in for Simon Lazenby as the channel’s lead anchor.
      Martin Brundle
      Martin Brundle is a legendary F1 commentatorCredit: Rex
      Former F1 driver Martin Brundle has had an incredible career which saw him first become a commentator in 1997.
      He learned his trade from the late Murray Walker, and is now considered one of F1’s most popular presenters.
      For the 2023 season Martin is working as the lead analyst for the Sky F1 coverage. 
      Karun Chandhok
      Karun Chandhok is a former HRT racing driverCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Former HRT racing driver Karun Chandhok first appeared on Sky in 2012, and worked with them for three years.
      After that, he headed over to Channel 4 to become their main pit-lane reporter between 2016 and 2018.
      However, Chandhok rejoined the Sky team in 2019.
      Bernie Collins
      Bernie Collins is the newest member of the teamCredit: Sky Sports
      Hailing from Northern Ireland, Bernie Collins is the newest addition to the Sky F1 presenting line-up.
      Prior to landing the job she worked as a race strategist for Aston Martin until the end of 2022.
      The talented star started her career at McLaren as a performance engineer.
      David Croft
      David Croft is a well known Sky Sports F1 commentatorCredit: Alamy
      Former BBC F1 radio commentator David Croft was appointed as Sky F1’s lead commentator in 2012.
      Since then, he has become the voice of Sky F1.
      Over the years he has become hugely popular with viewers and Formula 1 fans.
      Anthony Davidson
      Anthony Davidson is a former Super Aguri F1 race driverCredit: Sky Sports
      Former Super Aguri F1 race driver Anthony Davidson started his presenting career on BBC Radio 5’s coverage of Formula 1.
      After his hugely successful career as a sportscar driver in the WEC, he was added to Sky’s line-up for the 2012 season.
      Davidson is best known for the “Sky Pad” – the channel’s famous paddock screen that allows him to quiz drivers whilst looking at an action replay.
      Damon Hill
      Damon Hill is a former F1 champ and legendary driverCredit: Instagram
      F1 World Champion Damon Hill was brought in by Sky F1 as an expert analyst during the 2012 season.
      He is best known for his 1996 F1 win, and therefore brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
      Hill is well-known for being able to offer insight from his own days as a racing driver and also comparing how modern-day drivers face new challenges.
      Ted Kravitz
      Ted Kravitz is a well known sports presenterCredit: Rex
      Long-time broadcaster Ted Kravitz has been around since the days of ITV’s early coverage of the sport.
      He started off as a producer, before becoming the channel’s pit-lane reporter.
      Kravitz continued this job until 2011, before taking up a position with Sky for the 2012 season.
      Simon Lazenby
      Simon Lazenby is key to the Sky FI line-upCredit: Alamy
      Seasoned broadcaster Simon Lazenby is known for being Sky F1’s lead anchor.
      He is the key presenter who keeps the show on the road.
      Lazenby opens the live coverage and orchestrates the expert team of pundits and reporters.
      Danica Patrick
      Danica Patrick is a popular member of the Sky F1 teamCredit: The Mega Agency
      American racing legend Danica Patrick joined the Sky line-up as a pundit for the 2021 United States Grand Prix.
      Appearing on the coverage of races in Canada, the United States and Mexico in 2022, she reprised her role for 2023.
      She also formed part of Sky’s European race coverage, featuring at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
      Natalie Pinkham
      Sky Sports presenter Natalie Pinkham has enjoyed an incredible careerCredit: instagram @natalie_pinkham
      Following her successful coverage of the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2009 alongside Steve Rider, Natalie Pinkham became BBC Radio 5’s pit-lane reporter for the 2011 season.
      Since switching to Sky F1’s coverage, she has gradually become a prominent member of the presenting line-up.
      In 2021, Pinkham became the first female lead commentator for a Formula 1 session in the UK.
      Nico Rosberg
      Nico Rosberg is the 2016 F1 world championCredit: Rex
      Former F1 World Champion Nico Rosberg has proven very popular as a Sky F1 reporter.
      He won the title in 2016, topping teammate and rival Lewis Hamilton.
      Rosberg immediately called it a day in Formula 1 after winning.
      He became the first reigning champion to retire since 1993.
      Naomi Schiff
      Naomi Schiff is a big part of the Sky F1 teamCredit: Rex
      Naomi Schiff is a Rwandan-Belgian professional racing and stunt driver.
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      She appeared in the W Series before being appointed as their Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador.
      Presenting the Mercedes F1 team launch alongside Natalie Pinkham in 2022, Schiff was then brought onboard as a regular contributor to Sky F1’s coverage. More

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      in Soccer

      Sky Sports presenter Melissa Reddy told ‘you look gorgeous’ as fans think they’ve worked out who she supports

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      FANS believe they have worked out who Sky Sports presenter Melissa Reddy supports.The reporter has been in San Diego and Las Vegas covering Manchester United’s pre-season tour.
      Melissa Reddy has been in San Diego covering Man United’s pre-season tourCredit: https://www.instagram.com/melissa_reddy/
      Melissa Reddy is a popular figure on Sky SportsCredit: instagram @melissa_reddy
      Melissa has been delivering regular updates on the Red Devils for Sky SportsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/melissa_reddy/?hl=en
      Now that she’s home, Melissa posted a series of photos from her trip to Instagram.
      Her snaps include pictures of herself, Erik ten Hag and Man United players warming up.
      And excited supporters commented believing that she is a fan of the Red Devils.
      One wrote: “Yesss she is a United fan.”
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      While a second asked: “Are you secretly a united fan?”
      Another added: “She has to be a United fan girl surely?”
      Others were simply complimentary, with one gushing: “You look gorgeous.”
      While a further social media user swooned: “Stunningly beautiful.”
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      Melissa is a popular figure on Sky SportsCredit: Instagram @melissa_reddy
      She also attended Man United’s clash with Arsenal earlier this monthCredit: Instagram @melissa_reddy
      United fans may be disappointed to learn that Melissa is in fact a Liverpool fan.
      Prior to her Sky Sports days, she even wrote a book about the Reds.
      Her 2020 publication was centred on the their Premier League win, and was entitled: “Believe Us: How Jurgen Klopp transformed Liverpool into title winners”
      Melissa has over 200,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram/@melissa_reddy
      She has had a book about Liverpool’s 2020 title win publishedCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CuP4qogNivU/ More