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    Caroline Barker vs Simon Thomas tale of the tape: How do Jeff Stelling’s Soccer Saturday replacement candidates compare?

    CHOOSING Jeff Stelling’s successor to present Sky Sport’s Soccer Saturday might be the toughest decision in football – off the pitch anyway.And not just for the broadcasting bosses – who, in the next few days, will pick a new name for a new era.
    Caroline Barker has impressed with her all-round presenting skills in sportCredit: Getty
    Ex-Blue Peter presenter Simon Thomas has been with Sky since 2005 and is rated favourite to land the Soccer Saturday jobCredit: Rex Features

    SunSport exclusively revealed that just two names, Caroline Barker and Simon Thomas, are left in the race – both well respected and offering plenty of experience.
    But they know Stelling was that rare thing in a sport and the modern world of social media – a legend who unites opinion positively.
    Fans love his wit, modesty, passion and knowledge from National League up to International superstars – a  sort of extraordinary everyman.
    So how do Barker and Thomas measure up when it comes to following the great affection Stelling was held in for 29 years?
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    Barker, 42, is the sporting all-rounder who has reached the top after starting in local radio.
    Thomas, 50, launched his broadcasting career in 1999 as Blue Peter presenter before switching to Sky Sports six years later.
    Insiders have told the Sun he is the slight favourite.
    And if he does replace Stelling, few sporting presenters will have dabbled in more outdoor adventures than the man from Norwich.
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    He reportedly needed three applications to finally get the Blue Peter position, having previously been a runner for Children’s BBC and radio station LBC.
    And in his six years with the the BBC’s flagship children’s programme, he ran the London Marathon twice, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and undertook more than 40 solo dives with the RAF.
    He even ran the 60 metres at the Norwich Union Indoor Athletics against top sprinters  Frankie Fredericks and Darren Campbell.
    But Thomas topped all that by presenting the late Queen with a Gold Blue Peter Badge.
    He emerged at Sky Sports 18 years ago, first alongside Sky Sports News with Georgie Thompson.
    Since then he’s switched sports for Cricket AM and Ryder Cup coverage.
    But he’s focused on footie after becoming lead presenter for Sky’s live Football League coverage in 2010.
    League Cup presenting followed four years later, then the Premier League two years later.
    Jeff Stelling has quit Sky’s Soccer Saturday but has reportedly held talks with the BBC and Amazon over a quick return to broadcastingCredit: Getty
    That means he’s comfortable working with big-name pundits like Graeme Souness, Jamie Redknapp and Thierry Henry.
    In contrast, Barker has what might be considered a more orthodox background.
    She worked for BBC Essex and BBC London, before presenting on World Service and Radio 5 live, including the 2019 Women’s World Cup
    And her banter credentials soared when she was named “Rookie of the Year” for 5 Live’s sports comedy show Fighting Talk in 2015.
    She now hosts Sky’s The Totally Football League Show, as well as other football work for the broadcaster.
    And as an avowed fan of non-League football, it appears she is one up on Thomas for her know-how on all levels of the game, especially as she was a director at hometown club Chelmsford City from 2009-2011.
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    She’s led BBC and Sky coverage of netball, having also hosted darts shows.
    Now she’s waiting to see if she hits the bullseye ahead of Thomas in the battle for the role with arguably most street-cred in football. More

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    Sky Sports News presenter Melissa Reddy wows in football top and glittery skirt as fans say she’s looking ‘fire’

    MELISSA REDDY has wowed in her latest Instagram snap – sporting the latest Italy away kit.The Sky Sports presenter has been enjoying her holidays following the conclusion of the football season in June – having previously jetted off to Croatia.

    Reddy at last year’s Champions League finalCredit: https://www.instagram.com/melissa_reddy/?hl=en
    She shared snaps from a holiday to Croatia this summerCredit: Instagram/@melissa_reddy
    Which included a trip to a Croatian riverCredit: instagram @melissa_reddy
    She says her preparation for the season begins nowCredit: Instagram @melissareddy
    The presenter captioned the post: “L❤️ve dressing up a football kit!Adidas knocked it out of the park with this Italy fit”.
    She twinned the white away shirt with a brown skirt and a pair of high heels.
    And fans were quick to heap praise on the outfit.
    One fan said: “you are absolutely 🔥🔥🔥🔥”
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    Another added: “MY GOD!!!! 🔥🔥🔥”
    A third wrote: “Looking really beautiful Melissa 💋💋💋💋”
    While a fourth said: “🔴 Beautiful by Adidas again, and only looks better on you  🙌🏼🔥”
    Reddy has become a mainstay on football fans’ screens after swapping her role at the Independent to become a presenter.
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    In a previous post she declared that she is ready to get down to work as she gears up for the new season.
    She posted a snap of her at the Sky offices with the caption: “Back to w⚽️rk!
    “Swipe to hear me making a noise on here since we can no longer be great on the bird app 😢☠️”
    Reddy is now a senior reporter at Sky Sports and is a massive Liverpool fan.
    She wrote a book on Liverpool’s 2020 title triumph titled: “Believe Us: How Jürgen Klopp transformed Liverpool into title winners” More

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    Final two in race to replace Jeff Stelling on Soccer Saturday revealed – and new host will be chosen in days

    CAROLINE BARKER is in the final two to replace Jeff Stelling and land one of the hottest jobs in television.Sky Sports will decide over the next few days whether Barker or Simon Thomas will be the new presenter of their cult results programme Soccer Saturday.
    Socceer Saturday host Jeff Stelling is stepping downCredit: Sky Sports
    Caroline Barker is in the final two to replace JeffCredit: Getty
    Insiders believe Simon Thomas is the favourite for the roleCredit: Rex Features
    Insiders believe the experienced Thomas is favourite for the role – but it is a close call, and has come down to a straight choice between the two.
    Barker has won a host of admirers at Sky, primarily for her coverage of netball but also her ability to cover a variety of sports.
    The broadcaster, also a regular on the BBC, led 5 Live’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup and was the first female presenter of Match Day Live for Premier League Productions.
    Sky Sports legend Stelling presented Soccer Saturday from 1994 until his retirement at the end of last season.
    Read More on Jeff Stelling
    Recently Jeff made a one-off Countdown comeback.
    He appeared as the dictionary corner’s special guest while Rachel Riley put on a leggy display for his return.
    Recent reports suggested Stelling had been in talks with Amazon and the BBC over a return to broadcasting.
    We also revealed how Stelling has no plans to retire but had reportedly been placed on gardening leave after leaving Sky.
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    Jeff, pictured with Rachel Rilley, made a one-off Countdown comeback recentlyCredit: BackGrid More

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    Premier League TV fixture changes announced with 33 games changed including Arsenal v Man Utd and North London derby

    THE Premier League have confirmed August and September’s TV matches.Having already announced the opening day telly clashes, 33 further games have been moved to be shown by Sky Sports and TNT Sports.
    Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United will be shown on Sky Sports Super SundayCredit: Getty
    Tottenham vs Manchester United has been changed to a 5:30pm kick-off on Saturday, August 19, to be shown on Sky.
    The Red Devils’ trip to Arsenal will now be a Sunday, 4:30pm kick-off, also on Sky, on September 3.
    Sky Sports have also landed the first North London Derby of the season, which will now kick-off at the Emirates at 2pm on Sunday, September 24.
    TNT Sports, which replaces BT Sport for the upcoming campaign, have retained the 12:30pm Saturday slot.
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    But on Saturday, September 23 they will show Burnley’s clash with Man United at 8pm.
    Other TV highlights include Tottenham’s Saturday 5:30pm clash with Liverpool on September 30.
    While the West London Derby between Fulham and Chelsea will now be a Sky Sports Monday Night Football on October 2.
    Popular presenter Laura Woods has been tipped to become TNT Sports’ new primary Premier League host.
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    Premier League August and September TV fixtures
    Friday 11 August20:00 Burnley v Man City (Sky Sports)
    Saturday 12 August12:30 Arsenal v Nott’m Forest (TNT Sports)17:30 Newcastle v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)
    Sunday 13 August14:00 Brentford v Spurs (Sky Sports)16:30 Chelsea v Liverpool (Sky Sports)
    Monday 14 AugustMan Utd v Wolves (Sky Sports)
    Saturday 19 August17:30 Spurs v Man Utd (Sky Sports)20:00 Man City v Newcastle (TNT Sports)
    Sunday 20 August14:00 Aston Villa v Everton (Sky Sports)16:30 West Ham v Chelsea (Sky Sports)
    Monday 21 August 20:00 Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Sky Sports)
    Friday 25 August20:00 Chelsea v Luton Town (Sky Sports)
    Saturday 26 August12:30 AFC Bournemouth v Spurs (TNT Sports)17:30 Brighton v West Ham (Sky Sports)
    Sunday 27 August14:00 Sheff Utd v Man City (Sky Sports)16:30 Newcastle v Liverpool (Sky Sports)
    Friday 1 September20:00 Luton Town v West Ham (Sky Sports)
    Saturday 2 September12:30 Sheff Utd v Everton (TNT Sports)17:30 Brighton v Newcastle (Sky Sports)
    Sunday 3 September14:00 Crystal Palace v Wolves (Sky Sports)16:30 Arsenal v Man Utd (Sky Sports)
    Saturday 16 September12:30 Wolves v Liverpool (TNT Sports)17:30 Everton v Arsenal (Sky Sports)
    Sunday 17 September14:00 AFC Bournemouth v Chelsea (Sky Sports)16:30 Newcastle v Brentford (Sky Sports)
    Saturday 23 September17:30 Brentford v Everton (Sky Sports)20:00 Burnley v Man Utd (TNT Sports)
    Sunday 24 September14:00 Arsenal v Spurs (Sky Sports)16:30 Sheff Utd v Newcastle (Sky Sports)
    Saturday 30 September12:30 Aston Villa v Brighton (TNT Sports)17:30 Spurs v Liverpool (Sky Sports)
    Sunday 1 October14:00 Nott’m Forest v Brentford (Sky Sports)
    Monday 2 October20:00 Fulham v Chelsea (Sky Sports)

    The broadcaster is yet to confirm who their anchor or pundits will be next term.
    Woods, who previously worked for Sky Sports, stepped down from her role on talkSPORT last month.
    Confirming her departure, she said in an emotional statement: “You lot, our listeners, have given me so much comfort and guided me through some of my toughest moments, without even realising it.
    “So I wanted to thank you personally for that. I will miss it dearly. Even the Spurs fans.
    “For what feels like a lifetime I’ve been a listener of talkSPORT.
    “For the last six years, it’s been my home, where we get to spend our mornings talking about sport.
    “There’s nothing better. I know I will never find a job like this. It’s unique.
    “Three years as the host of this amazing breakfast show, three bits of silverware for the trophy cabinet and record listening figures.
    “I’m very proud of what we achieved here. One thing’s for sure: I will always be part of this family at talkSPORT.”
    Laura Woods has been tipped to present TNT Sports’ Prem coverage next seasonCredit: Getty More

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    Hayley McQueen returns to Sky Sports three weeks after death of father Gordon as fans say ‘you’ve done your dad proud’

    HAYLEY McQueen has returned to work following the death of her father Gordon’s death and has revealed how looking after her mum is now her top priority.The legendary Leeds and Manchester United defender passed away last month aged 70 following a battle with dementia.
    Hayley McQueen returning to Sky Sports
    Gordon McQueen passed away at the age of 70Credit: Alamy
    His death sparked a huge outpouring of support for his devastated family including from Sir Elton John at a gig in Aberdeen as well as the Tartan Army ahead of Scotland’s clash with Georgia.
    But after taking a few weeks off presenting on Sky Sports, Hayley has now returned to a ‘little normality’ with her focus now on taking care of her mum Yvonne.
    She has thanked friends, family, fans and colleagues for their support and said presenting live TV again is ‘just what the doctor ordered’.
    In a post on social media, Hayley said: “Back to business. Feels very strange being back at work after a very sad few weeks but being around all my colleagues and friends is definitely helping get back to a little normality.

    “I don’t suppose life ever feels that normal again and priority is now taking care of our mum but sport, my tv family and friends is just what the doctor ordered.”
    Fans took to the comments to show their support with one saying: “You’ve done your dad proud.”
    Another wrote: “Your Dad will always be with you. 🙏🏼 xx.”
    A third said: “Sending you so much love Hayley ❤️❤️.”
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    Whilst a fourth commented: “You are an incredible human. Sending loads of love ❤️.”
    McQueen’s funeral took place last month at St Mary’s Cathedral in Coulby Newham on the outskirts of Middlesbrough.
    His family gathered along with a host of football greats to say their final goodbyes.
    Mourners included Gordon Strachan, Joe Jordan, Bryan Robson, Gary Pallister and Jeff Stelling.
    Manchester United left a bouquet of flowers with the message: “In memory of Gordon. With forever-lasting love and respect for a great player and a great man.”
    Hayley, 43, had previously revealed the touching tributes paid to her father have helped comfort her and the rest of the McQueen family.
    She wrote: “I don’t think anything can prepare you for the pain of losing a parent no matter how prepared you think you might be, I can’t thank everyone enough for the kind words whether it be on here, Twitter or text since his passing.
    “Apologies I haven’t replied to everyone but it’s truly hugely appreciated and has been such a comfort.”
    McQueen started his career with St Mirren before spells at Leeds and Manchester United.
    He was capped 30 times for Scotland and was chosen for the 1978 World Cup but missed out because of injury.
    McQueen later became a pundit before being treated for cancer of the larynx in 2011.
    Read More On The Sun
    He was diagnosed with dementia in 2021 and his family said he wanted ‘footballers of today’s generation to know there may be risks with persistent heading of the ball’.

    Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

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    I was one of the biggest names on Sky Sport’s F1 coverage before sacking… I still have no idea why they got rid of me

    JOHNNY HERBERT has revealed he has no idea why Sky Sports decided to sack him from their F1 presenting team after 11 years.Herbert joined the broadcaster during the 2012 season when it won the rights to show the F1 action in the UK.
    Johnny Herbert was a central figure in the Sky Sports F1 commentary teamCredit: Getty
    The pundit raced in Formula 1 himselfCredit: AP:Associated Press
    He became a central figure in the coverage of the sport, often reminiscing about his own time in Formula One with teams like Jaguar and Sauber.
    However, Sky Sports decided to axe him from the commentary team two months before this year’s coverage started, along with fellow pundit and former driver Paul di Resta.
    Both were at the end of their respective contracts but were not offered extensions.
    It was speculated that cost-cutting was behind Sky Sports’ decision not to have the two back.
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    Herbert posted a photo of the Sky Sports F1 team to Instagram to confirm his departure from the broadcaster.
    It was captioned: “Going to miss this team.”
    Speaking to The Mirror, Herbert has now revealed that he still doesn’t know why the broadcaster decided against renewing his contract.
    He said: “I didn’t decide to step away – I thought everything was going ahead!
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    “And then I got a call in December, I think it was, when I was told things were changing.
    “It wasn’t really explained why or what was changing. There was a mention of social media stuff and that was about it, really. I really don’t know.
    “I was always aware – at Sky they do these subscriber checks where you’re given points out of 10 – and I’ve always known I was always quite popular on that side.
    “It’s a shame, but I’m over it. Moving on.”
    Herbert is now presenting his own podcast called Lift the Lid, which he co-hosts with fellow racer Billy Monger.
    The two give their opinions on current F1 stories, and were brought together through their own near-fatal crashes.
    Herbert said about the podcast “This is great to do with Billy, for example.
    “There are other opportunities out there, once again just proving that if you work hard you can find different avenues to carry on being involved in the sport we love.
    “So there’s other things going on, which is fine.
    “Yes, it’s disappointing, but I’ve moved on.”
    The 59-year old added that he didn’t think he would be returning to TV screens this season.
    He added: “I did my 11 years at Sky and it was good. Now there are other things I am doing.
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    “Because it was in December it was all quite late in terms of sorting other things out.
    “There are a lot of other opportunities but, in terms of seeing me on a TV screen, there’s probably nothing planned on that front.”
    Herbert posted that he’d miss the team after he was axed
    Herbert now co-hosts a podcast with former British F4 racer Billy Monger, who suffered a horrific crash in 2017Credit: PA More

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    Fans gush over Sky Sports presenter Melissa Reddy’s ‘amazing’ outfit as they say ‘you can’t get any better’

    SKY SPORTS presenter Melissa Reddy’s latest outfit has had her fans gushing on social media.Her followers swooned over her “amazing” dress and jacket combo, claiming: “You can’t get any better”.
    Melissa Reddy had fans gushing over her ‘amazing outfit’Credit: Instagram @melissareddy
    Melissa Reddy has returned to work after a recent holidayCredit: Instagram @melissareddy
    Melissa Reddy soaked up the sun on a trip to CroatiaCredit: Instagram @melissareddy
    Reddy joined Sky Sports in 2022 after leaving her role as a senior reporter for the Independent.
    She has now returned to television screens after enjoying a summer holiday to Croatia.
    To celebrate her return to work, she shared a snap of her leaning against a wall at the studio on Instagram.
    Reddy stunned her fans in black dress and cream blazer along with a colourful pair of heels.
    READ MORE ON MELISSA REDDY
    She also attached a series of clips of herself giving news updates in the post captioned: “Back to work!”
    Her fans were quick to comment on the post, with one writing: “Looking very beautiful Melissa.”
    Another added: “Lovely smile for a Monday morning.”
    A third follower also wrote: “I’d say you can’t get any better.”
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    Melissa Reddy enjoyed a boat ride during her holidayCredit: Instagram @melissareddy
    Melissa Reddy joined Sky Sports in 2022Credit: Instagram/@melissa_reddy
    Meanwhile, one more commented: “Amazing as always!”
    Reddy had previously been keeping her 205,000 followers updated with snaps from her travels.
    She wowed in a skimpy swimsuit as she soaked up the Croatian sun ahead of her return to work.
    Her fans were also treated to pictures from a boat trip as she enjoyed a ride down a canal. More

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    From breaking Chelsea legend’s heart to being told to ‘f*** off’ by Fergie, how Geoff Shreeves became Sky Sports icon

    ICONIC Sky Sports broadcaster Geoff Shreeves has confirmed he will leave Sky Sports after 30 years at the channel.The big-name reporter is to quit with immediate effect after SunSport exclusively revealed he was to become the latest victim of Sky’s cost-cutting efforts.
    Shreeves has quit Sky Sports after 30 years in his roleCredit: Getty
    Shreeves was offered a contract renewal on reduced terms but has ultimately decided to depart the channel where he made his name as an interviewer and touchline reporter.
    His 30 years with the broadcaster has seen him become a household-name among football fans – thanks to some iconic moments along the way.
    From being told to “f**** off” by Fergie to clashing with Kenny Dalglish, here are his most notable moments in his role…
    Breaking Ivanovic’s heart
    Perhaps Shreeves’ most iconic moment came after Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final victory over Barcelona in 2012.
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    Branislav Ivanovic had starred as part of Chelsea’s backs to the wall defensive performance – with the Blues down to 10 men for the majority of the game.
    But Shreeves’ broke the Serb’s heart when he told him that a yellow card he received in the victory would see him ruled out of the final.
    Shreeves told Ivanovic: “You know that means you’re out of the final now, unfortunately that means you don’t play in the final.”
    Geoff Shreeves telling Branislav Ivanovic he’s missing the Champions League final.Credit: youtube: sky sports retro
    It was clearly the first time Ivanovic had been told, and the crestfallen defender was barely able to utter the words “unfortunately” in response.
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    Chelsea would go on to win the 2012 Champions League, with the suspended John Terry and Ivanovic infamously joining the team in full kit.
    Rowing with Kenny Dalglish
    As shown by his takedown of Ivanovic, Shreeves has never been afraid of a tough line of questioning.
    And one of his most tense exchanges came when he rowed with Kenny Dalglish over Luis Suarez – which nearly saw the Scotsman storm out of the interview.
    The interview came after Patrice Evra had refused to shake Luis Suarez’s hand before the game after Suarez had racially abused the Frenchman.
    Shreeves pressed Dalglish on the fact that police and stewards were needed to separate the two teams in the dressing room post-game.
    Dalglish sought to deflect from Shreeves’ line of questioning and said: “You know something, when we had our FA Cup tie because there was no 24 hour news channel in the build up to the game nothing like this happened.”
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    Dalglish and Shreeves during their clashCredit: YouTube
    Shreeves was clearly shocked by the suggestion Sky Sports had incited the incident and said: “So are you blaming the news channel? What are you saying?”
    An angry Dalglish snapped back: “If you want to know what happened in there ask somebody else that was there because I wasn’t.”
    Being told to f**** off by Fergie
    Shreeves has said that him and Fergie generally enjoyed a “fantastic” relationship and it was common for Sir Alex to close out his interview with “Well done Geoff”.
    But there was one point where the two’s relationship boiled over.
    In an interview with the Times, Shreeves said his biggest run-in with any manager came when he asked Sir Alex whether Ronaldo had dived for a penalty against Middlesborough.
    He said: “The biggest (run-in) was over Cristiano Ronaldo going over for a penalty against Middlesbrough and we had a huge falling out which threatened to get very out of hand in the tunnel.
    “Fergie came after me physically, never got there. People jumped in.”
    Shreeves stood his ground while repeatedly being told to “f**** off” by Fergie.
    Fergie and Shreeves generally had a good relationshipCredit: https://www.instagram.com/skysports/
    He said to Fergie: “Don’t talk to me like that. If you want to behave civilly, fine.
    “We sorted it out very amicably, very quickly and it was never mentioned again.”
    Being surrounded by Pep
    Ahead of Covid shutting down the Premier League in 2020, Liverpool hosted Manchester City in a clash that would decide the fate of the title.
    Pep Guardiola was livid after Liverpool scored a goal despite Trent Alexander-Arnold clearly appearing to handle the ball in the build up.
    Pep lost his mind at the referees and even at Geoff Shreeves in the tunnelCredit: Reuters
    Shreeves told Sky Sports that Guardiola and his staff surrounded him and his Sky Sports crew and demanded to view why a penalty wasn’t given.
    He said: “Pep Guardiola is livid,
    “His entire backroom staff surrounded us at half-time to ask ‘Why wasn’t it given?’. To say they are unimpressed is an understatement.”
    Liverpool would go on to win the game 3-1 and run away with the title by 18 points.
    Virtual Shreeves
    Shreeves became a name known to a global audience through his cameo appearances on the EA Sports FIFA game series.
    Beginning with FIFA 13, Shreeves was on hand as a touchline reporter in the same way he does in real life.
    Read More On The Sun
    Fans of the game series became familiar with Geoff saying the line “He’s a tough cookie, he’ll carry on” seemingly no matter the severity of any injury.
    Shreeves still features in the game 10 years later.
    Geoff became the virtual touchline reporter in the FIFA video gamesCredit: Getty More