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      Soccer Saturday replacements for sacked Le Tissier, Nicholas and Thompson set for LIVE auditions on Sky Sports

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      SOCCER SATURDAY’S new pundits are set for live auditions on Sky Sports.
      As revealed by SunSport, the broadcaster decided to sack Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson.

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      Sky Sports are preparing to conduct live auditions to work out who will replace Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie NicholasCredit: Sky
      The trio joined Jeff Sterling on our telly boxes for almost 50 years combined before the shock bombshell announcement to get rid.
      Now, as reported by the Daily Mail, Sky are preparing to decide on the new regular line-up with live shows to give potential candidates a shot.
      That will start with a shortened version of the show today to cover the Carabao Cup matches.
      Paul Merson, Danny Gabbidon, Clinton Morrison, Jamie Mackie and Paul Cook are the pundits chosen for the first Soccer Saturday of the season.

      Merson, Morrison and Glen Johnson are among the favourites to land a permanent spot in the Soccer Saturday squad.
      Man-at-the-ground and funnyman Chris Kamara’s live updates from matches may also be a thing of the past with the former Bradford boss potentially being brought into the studio.
      Stelling will be back in his familiar role – although the popular host suggested he may walk away after 25 years of relentless facts and fun.
      Confirming their decision for the shake-up as they consider a more diverse team, Sky told SunSport: “We are changing some parts of our football coverage.

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      The Soccer Saturday team are keen to add diversity to the line-up after years of white, middle-aged menCredit: Sky

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      Jeff Stelling is ready to host his first show of the season but has not decided whether he will stay on yetCredit: Dan Jones – The Sun

      Thanks for all the messages of support – and even for most of those who have a different view as I believe in free speech. So far no discussions have taken place, no decisions made. Only I know what I am thinking but it is important to listen to all arguments. Thanks again
      — Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) August 28, 2020

      “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.”
      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.”
      Le Tiss sparked a Twitter storm this week after referencing Anne Frank in an apparent defence of people who do not wear face masks.
      He retweeted a photo of the Holocaust victim with the caption “Remember this”.
      The image said: “The people who hid Anne Frank were breaking the law. The people who killed her were following it.”
      The ex-Southampton star has been outspoken in his belief that face masks should not be mandatory.
      Following a heavy backlash, Le Tissier later deleted the post and issued an apology.
      He said: “Apologies for the recent tweet. Obviously taken out of context so I’ve deleted it so there’s no confusion.”

      Arsenal legend Ian Wright responds to ‘racists’ blaming black pundits for Sky’s Soccer Saturday sackings More

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      Premier League urged to make EVERY game held without fans available on TV by the government

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      THE Government has urged the Premier League to “follow the spirit of Project Restart” in making more games available to fans on TV.
      Supporters are slowly being allowed back into grounds as the coronavirus pandemic subsides, with small-scale trials underway.

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      The Government has urged the Premier League to make every game available live on TV until fans can returnCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Broadcasters are nonetheless only increasing their TV selections by a small number ahead of the new campaign.
      Furthemore, no games are expected to be made available for free.
      On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport urged the league to find a solution that suits fans.
      A statement, via the BBC, read: “Our focus is on working with the football authorities, safety and medical experts to get fans back in stadia as quickly as possible.

      “It is for the Premier League and its broadcast partners to come to an agreement on screening matches.
      “However we urge them to follow the spirit of Project Restart and listen to clubs’ loyal fans and consider what can be achieved in the meantime.”
      ENDLESS FUN
      Each of the final 92 games of last season was broadcast by either Sky Sports, BT, Amazon or the BBC.
      With fans still not allowed in grounds en masse, there have been calls to continue the wall-to-wall coverage when the 2020/21 campaign begins later this month.

      An extra 20 games means 220 are due to be shown, leaving 160 off screens and potentially completely unviewable in the UK.
      The Football Supporters’ Federation has described the situation as “totally unacceptable”.

      A statement read: “Regular match-goers will not always be able to watch their team as fans are not expected to be readmitted to stadiums until October.
      “Eleven games during September will therefore be played behind-closed-doors with no regular match-goers in the UK able to watch those games through legal means.
      “The FSA’s Premier League Fans Network finds this totally unacceptable.”
      It added: “As a matter of urgency top-flight supporters urge the Premier League to resolve this issue. Do not stop fans from watching their teams during a global pandemic.
      “It would be a disastrous decision by the Premier League and they must listen to supporters.”
      Meanwhile, EFL fans will be allowed to stream every one of their games next season via their club’s website.

      The Premier League campaign begins on September 12 with Arsenal’s trip to Fulham on BT Sport.
      Opening weekend fixtures including Crystal Palace versus Southampton and West Ham’s game with Newcastle are not set to have fans or be broadcast on any channel.
      Last weekend, Brighton allowed 2,500 fans into their stadium for the pre-season friendly with Chelsea and further trials are set for women’s and non-league football in the coming weeks.

      Fans return to English football for first time in six months as Brighton host Chelsea in friendly at Amex stadium More

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      Robert Lewandowski plans to play until he’s 40 and insists current Bayern Munich contract isn’t his last

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      BAYERN MUNICH striker Robert Lewandowski insists that he can carry on playing football until the age of 40.
      Lewandowski, 32, has no plans of slowing down any time soon and said that he feels ‘better now than he did at 26’.

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      Lewandowski rounded off a terrific season with Bayern by winning the Champions League

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      Lewandowski believes he can still perform at the highest level despite his ageCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Speaking to bavarianfootballworks.com Lewandowski said: “I don’t think about the end of my career, I don’t feel like 32, I feel better than when I was 26.”
      His comments come off the back of a great season with Bayern, who won a prestigious treble, capping it off with an epic Champions League win against PSG earlier this month.
      He also achieved some great personal feats last season, finishing the top scorer in the Bundesligia and the Champions League, with 34 and 15 goals respectively.
      The Polish legend also scored six goals in the German Cup, to take his season tally to an incredible 55 goals from 47 games for Bayern.

      The accolades didn’t stop there for Lewandowski who was also crowned the player of the season in Germany.
      But he did miss out on the Ballon d’Or, which was scrapped amid the coronavirus pandemic, which he feels he should’ve won with ease if given the opportunity.
      When asked who would win the award, Lewandowski confidently said: “Myself” when speaking to polish news site Sportowe Fakty.
      He added: “We won everything we could with Bayern. In every competition: Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League, I was the top scorer.”

      Lewandowski scored more goals than both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in Europe last season, who both would’ve been his main rivals if the awards had gone ahead.

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      With most of his peers in the final throes of their careers, Lewandowski is ready to enter a new phase of his.
      Retirement isn’t even an after-thought for the Polish goal-machine, who believes he can compete at the top-level for at-least another decade.
      When asked about how long he thinks he has left to play, Lewandowski told Sky Sports Germany: ‘Ten years? Maybe eight.
      ‘The current contract is not my last. I want to play longer. And I want to achieve even more, my colleagues in Munich think the same way.’

      Ballon d’Or 2020 AXED for first time in 64 years due to coronavirus in blow to favourite Robert Lewandowski More

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      Steve Lee dead at 68: Tributes paid to much-loved BBC and Sky Sports reporter and broadcaster

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      TRIBUTES have poured in for legendary Sky Sports and BBC broadcaster Steve Lee following his death aged 68.
      He covered football and cricket in the Midlands for over 30 years with both his face and voice a familiarity to the region’s sport fans.

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      Tributes have poured in for legendary Sky Sports and BBC Midlands broadcaster Steve Lee following his death aged 68
      His daughter Rebecca confirmed the tragic news on Monday, tweeting: “It is with the heaviest heart that I share that we lost our lovely Dad, Steve Lee, very suddenly on Sunday.
      “We are coming to terms with the news and will share details of the funeral when we are able to. Love you Dad.”
      The grandfather’s death was met with huge sadness.
      And a host of tributes flooded in on social media, with Gary Hughes, Sky Sports Director of Football, leading them.

      He wrote: “Everyone is shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Steve,a great friend of Sky Sports.
      “Steve was a highly respected reporter within the industry and an informative voice on Sky’s Football League coverage.
      “We will miss him very much. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

      BBC Midlands tweeted: “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of our former sports presenter Steve Lee at the age of 68.

      “A superb broadcaster who will be sadly missed.
      “The thoughts of everyone here at BBC Midlands Today are with his family and friends at this time.”
      Coventry City’s official club account tweeted: “We’re sorry to learn the news that Steve Lee, who covered the Sky Blues for BBC Midlands and Sky Sports for many years, has sadly passed away.
      “Our thoughts and condolences are with Steve’s family and friends at this sad time.”
      And as the sad news continued to be spread, more flooded in:

      Devastated to hear that former BBC and Sky TV presenter and reporter Steve Lee has suddenly passed away. A warm genuine guy who I enjoyed much banter with. Thoughts with his family at this time RIP pal
      — Tom Ross (@thegoalzone) August 31, 2020

      Very sad day to hear of Steve Lee’s passing. When I was a cub reporter at the BBC, he was THE face and voice of Midlands football. I worked more closely with him at Sky. Consummate professional, brilliant live, cheery demeanour, and all round good guy who will be sadly missed.😔
      — Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) August 31, 2020

      Genuinely saddened to hear of my former Sky Sports colleague Steve Lee’s passing. We covered the midlands in opposition when he ruled the BBC and together at Sky. He was, Steve, simple as that, a good operator and bloke. Love to the family and friends he leaves behind. RIP ❤️
      — Pete Colley (@petecolley) August 31, 2020

      Really sorry to hear the sad news about Steve Lee passing away. Always loved chatting to him at the Sky studios. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time ❤️
      — Matt Murray (@MattMurray20) August 31, 2020 More

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      Matt Le Tissier jokes he’s keeping his ‘chins’ up after Sky Sports sacking and thanks fans for support

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      MATT LE TISSIER joked he is “keeping his chins up” following his shock Sky Sports Soccer Saturday sacking. The former Southampton star, along with Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson, were given the boot on Tuesday in a remarkable move by the TV company who have been aggressively cutting staff numbers. Football fans have since slammed […] More

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      Jeff Stelling CONFIRMS he may quit Soccer Saturday after Sky Sports axed pals Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas

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      JEFF STELLING has CONFIRMED he could quit Soccer Saturday after Sky Sports sacked pals Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson. On Friday it was claimed the iconic presenter was tempted to call it a day after 25 years after his “best mates” were given the axe. And Stelling has now taken to Twitter […] More

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      Jeff Stelling CONFIRMS he could quit Soccer Saturday after Sky Sports sacked pals Le Tissier, Nicholas and Thompson

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      JEFF STELLING has CONFIRMED he could quit Soccer Saturday after Sky Sports axed pals Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson.
      On Friday it was claimed the iconic presenter was tempted to call it a day after 25 years after his “best mates” were given the boot.

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      Jeff Stelling has confirmed he is considering his future as Soccer Saturday host

      Thanks for all the messages of support – and even for most of those who have a different view as I believe in free speech. So far no discussions have taken place, no decisions made. Only I know what I am thinking but it is important to listen to all arguments. Thanks again
      — Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) August 28, 2020

      And Stelling has now taken to Twitter to confirm he will be giving his future a long, hard thought.
      Stelling tweeted: “Thanks for all the messages of support – and even for most of those who have a different view, as I believe in free speech.
      “So far no discussions have taken place, no decisions made.
      “Only I know what I am thinking but it is important to listen to all arguments.

      “Thanks again.”

      One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departure of three of my best mates.
      Jeff Stelling on Le Tissier, Thompson & Nicholas’ sackings

      Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas were all given the boot by Sky Sports earlier this week as part of an aggressive cost-cutting measure.
      The trio all had one more year to run on their current contracts.
      And after the news of their sacking, Stelling tweeted: “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.”
      Stelling has already worked through two regular panels now – with George Best, Rodney Marsh and Clive Allen coming before the most-recent group.
      And reports claim Stelling is now considering whether he has the hunger to forge yet another strong on-screen partnership.

      Of the five-man panel of regulars, only Stelling and Paul Merson appear to have retained their position, although the latter’s role is currently unclear.
      However, even if Stelling does quit, he is likely to at least begin the 2020-21 season.
      The presenter is believed to have a lengthy notice period weaved into his contract.

      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.
      — Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) August 26, 2020

      While the axed threesome’s replacements are yet to be named, reports claim Sky Sports are aware of the need for more diversity on the Soccer Saturday panel.
      Micah Richards – who impressed as a pundit for Sky Sports last season – BBC Sport regular Alex Scott and talkSPORT star Laura Woods are all rumoured to be in the running for positions in the new-look Sky team.
      Scott Minto is another Sky Sports star to have been axed this week, with the Football League pundit shown the door after 13 years of service.

      Arsenal legend Ian Wright responds to ‘racists’ blaming black pundits for Sky’s Soccer Saturday sackings More

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      Fulham vs Arsenal to kick off new season as TV fixtures for first three rounds of Premier League announced

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      FULHAM have the honour of kicking off the new Premier League season against Arsenal on live TV.
      The first three rounds of TV picks for the English top flight were announced today.

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      Fulham will play Arsenal at Craven Cottage to open the 2020-21 Premier League season
      And Scott Parker’s newly promoted side have a tasty London derby against Mikel Arteta’s FA Cup winners to get things off and running in 2020-21.
      Joe Bryan’s Wembley heroics saw the West Londoners immediately return to the Premier League via the play-offs after their relegation in 2019.
      And they will play live on BT Sport at 12.30pm on Saturday September 12.
      BT confirmed their following four fixtures to be screened live for fans’ entertainment.

      Everton will host promoted side West Brom in another lunchtime KO on Saturday September 19.
      Southampton will face Tottenham at Midday on Sunday September 20th – a game which could see Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg star for Spurs against his former club after a £20million move.
      MORE TO FOLLOW

      Recently promoted Fulham host Arsenal in our first game of the 2020/21 Premier League season 👊Saturday, September 12 | 12.30pm pic.twitter.com/armc80qGRy
      — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 28, 2020

      How Arsenal will line up vs Fulham with Gabriel forced to wait if he completes transfer and Aubameyang up front More