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      Football fans fume as ‘Sky Sports Leeds’ becomes ‘Sky Sports Wrexham’… all for a 0-0 draw

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      FOOTBALL fans have been left fuming by Sky Sports’ coverage of Wrexham during their Carabao Cup clash with Wigan.The Red Dragons advanced to the next round of the competition after overcoming the League One side on penalties on Tuesday evening.
      Fans were fuming with Sky Sports’ coverage of Wrexham’s cup clash with WiganCredit: Getty
      The Welsh club has seen interest rise since their takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenneyCredit: Reuters
      However, the penalty shootout was the most exciting part of the game as the League Two newcomers played out a drab 0-0 before full-time.
      It was the club’s debut on Sky Sports, having usually featured on BT Sport during their time in the National League.
      The club’s coverage has increased massively since its high-profile takeover by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds, 46, and Rob McElhenney.
      But fans have now claimed that the broadcaster is “obsessed” with the Welsh club.
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      One fed-up viewer commented: “Sky are so obsessed with Wrexham it’s frustrating to watch.”
      A second wrote: “You’ll be surprised to know the rest of the lower league football world still exists and we don’t care about Wrexham.”
      A third said: “Nobody cares about Wrexham other than a few thousand Wrexham fans. Just because they have Hollywoodland owners doesn’t mean we need constant coverage!”
      A fourth joked: “Wrexham getting a disproportionate amount of attention, well I never.”
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      Another fan even joked that Sky Sports have switched their apparent focus on showing Leeds matches to the lower league side.
      They added: “Sky Sports Leeds appears to have changed its name to Sky Sports Wrexham for the night.”
      Wrexham have enjoyed huge success since their takeover by Reynolds and McElhenney, also 46, returning to the EFL following their lengthy lay-off after storming to the National League title last season.
      It has been a remarkable turnaround at the club since the arrival of the Hollywood duo three years ago.
      The pair have revitalised Wrexham and the surrounding area and produced a documentary on Disney+ showcasing their work at the club.
      Reynolds and McElhenney’s actions have seen them named the “best owners in football” by fans online.

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      Jeff Stelling responds to Soccer Saturday favourites leaving Sky Sports as two beloved stars quit on same day

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      JEFF STELLING has paid tribute to Soccer Saturday favourite Bianca Westwood after she announced her departure from Sky Sports.This comes as the beloved Dickie Davis also announced that he is quitting after 30 years with the powerhouse broadcaster.
      Bianca Westwood is leaving Sky Sports after 22 yearsCredit: Rex
      The retired Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling paid tribute to WestwoodCredit: Getty
      Sky Sports has been doing some significant remodelling over the past year.
      With many top figures like Stelling, Martin Tyler, Geoff Shreeves, Graeme Souness and Chris Kamara either jumping ship or getting the boot.
      And now Westwood and Davis join that list.
      Stelling, who hosted Soccer Saturday for 25 years, paid tribute to ex-colleague Westwood following her announcement.

      He tweeted: “Such a great girl, such a great reporter. I have to say that of course as we are doing 30+ theatre tour in Jan and Feb. But I also mean it”.
      Westwood, who worked for the company for over two decades, most notably as a match reporter, released an emotional statement on Saturday morning confirming her exit.
      She said: “It’s been a phenomenal 22 and a half years and I’ve been a small part of building the channel into the giant of broadcasting it is today. What a ride!”
      The 48-year-old became the first female match reporter in Soccer Saturday history back in 2001.
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      She is credited with paving the way for the likes of Laura Woods, Kate Abdo and Lucy Ward.
      Earlier in the day, fellow Soccer Saturday reporter Davis confirmed his departure from the company.
      Davis announced to his social media followers: “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 hugely successful show”.
      Stelling also replied to his announcement, tweeting: “Simply one of the best, nicest, most professional people I have known. A privilege to have worked with you and to be able to call you my friend.”
      Both exits came a little over TWO HOURS before the relaunch of Soccer Saturday.
      Jeff’s replacement Simon Thomas admitted to being a “bit nervous” about starting in the legendary the role.
      Fans were divided after getting a first look at the new Soccer Saturday, which featured a revamped studio.
      Westwood is set to host ‘An Evening with Jeff Stelling’, a football nostalgia theatre show which will be touring the country in January and February next year.
      Dickie Davis has also departedCredit: SKYSPORTS More

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      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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      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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      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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      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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      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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      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