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    Gabby Agbonlahor slams TV companies for amount of subscriptions needed to watch football after missing match

    GABBY AGBONLAHOR has hit out at the number of subscriptions fans need to watch football.The former Aston Villa star ranted about TV companies after he was unable to watch Scotland’s 2-0 win over Spain.
    Gabby Agbonlahor has slammed TV companies for the amount of subscriptions needed to watch footballCredit: Twitter / @talkSPORT
    The rant came after he was not able to watch Scotland’s win over SpainCredit: AP
    Manchester United star Scott McTominay netted a brace against the Spanish to give his side a famous win.
    However many were unable to watch the game as it was broadcast on Viaplay, which costs £14.99 a month or £11.99 a month if paid for on a 12-month contract.
    And Agbonlahor was left fuming with this as he went on to moan about the number of subscriptions that are needed in order for fans to tune into games.
    He told talkSPORT: “It was a massive result.
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    “But I didn’t get to watch the game as there are so many channels now, that football is on.
    “You’ve got Viaplay £15, BT Sport £30, Sky Sports £24, Amazon £9.
    “I can’t keep up, I went to put it on and I am like ‘I am not signing up to this channel’.”
    And many fans agreed with the former England international as one commented: “Will only get worse at the end of the next TV rights contracts when the likes of Dazn and Disney and possibly Netflix get involved.”
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    A second wrote: “I’ve never agreed with Gabby more, never even bloody heard of Viaplay until last night.”
    A third said: “Finally, a pundit addressing what most of the football-loving public have a grievance about.”
    A fourth tweeted: “It’s ridiculous to need some sort of regulation on this over a £100 month to watch football.”
    While a fifth added: “Don’t always agree with Gabby but he’s spot on here, the good old days were when footy was on normal telly, and they wonder why people don’t pay.” More

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    Broadcast of crucial England tournament could be CANCELLED after 16 years as Sky Sports look to cut costs

    THE Under-21 Euros this summer may not be televised in the UK, reports claim.That means England Under-21s fans face not being able to watch Lee Carsley’s side in action in Romania and Georgia.
    England Under-21s’ Euros campaign might not be on TV in the UKCredit: Getty
    The tournament gets underway on June 21.
    But UEFA are yet to strike a deal with a UK broadcaster, according to the Daily Mail.
    Sky Sports have shown the Under21 Euros for the last 16 years, broadcasting every tournament since 2007.
    However, they are yet to bid for this summer’s event.
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    Sky have cut spending in the last year, which has resulted in reduced coverage of international football.
    Channel 4 won the rights to broadcast Gareth Southgate’s senior side in qualifying action for Euro 2024 after Sky chose not to bid.
    Although the Mail claim there is currently a “stand-off” between UEFA and terrestrial broadcasters, who are reluctant to air an Under-21 tournament on their main channels.
    Today’s friendly against France and Tuesday’s clash with Croatia will both be shown on BBC iPlayer, in line with the qualifying matches.
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    But the Mail say UEFA want guarantees of bigger audiences for when the tournament kicks off in June.
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    Carsley and Co kick off their campaign on June 22 against Czech Republic.
    A meeting with Israel follows three days later, before a potentially crunch clash against reigning champions Germany to round off the group stages.
    Carsley is reportedly set to consider his future as boss after the tournament.
    And the trio of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Scott Parker would all be in the frame to replace Carsley if he does leave. More

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    Soccer AM hosts break silence on first show after axe with bizarre ‘elephant in the room’ joke and take swipe at bosses

    SOCCER AM hosts have broken their silence on the show being axed with a bizarre joke and swipe at bosses. It was announced On Wednesday that the much-loved show will be cancelled at the end of the season after nearly 30 years on air.
    John Fendley and Jimmy Bullard addressed Soccer AM getting cancelled by Sky SportsCredit: @SoccerAm
    Soccer AM joked about the ‘elephant in the room’Credit: @SoccerAM
    In their first broadcast after the shock news, presenters John Fendley and Jimmy Bullard made fun of the situation.
    Fendley joked: “Before we go any further, we are going to address the elephant in the room… Oi Dumbo.”
    The camera then panned to a man wearing a large mask of an elephant’s head.
    The hosts asked him to get them cups of tea, only for the order to be forgotten, which prompted Fendley to laugh “elephant’s are not supposed to forget.”
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    Bullard said: “He ain’t going to last long.”
    Fendley replied in a dig at Sky Sports bosses: “I know the feeling.”
    Staff were told on Tuesday that the programme will be scrapped and that they will be made redundant after the last episode airs on Saturday 27 May.
    Bullard and Fendley are supposedly “fuming” and the news came as a “complete bombshell”.
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    As this morning’s episode came to a close, Soccer AM has just nine episodes left on TV screens.
    The talk show first aired in 1995 and quickly grew in popularity, becoming a must-watch Saturday morning show for all fans.
    It featured interviews with celebrity guests, comedy skits and challenges for a number of supporters joining them in the studio.
    Soccer AM was previously hosted by Tim Lovejoy and Helen Chamberlain.
    Lovejoy now presents Sunday Brunch on Channel 4 while Chamberlain rescues animals on her farm.
    Helen Chamberlain and Tim Lovejoy were the original presenters on Soccer AMCredit: Rex
    A host of celebrity stars have appeared on the show
    Tubes became a huge hit with viewers over the years with his funny interviews More

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    Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling ‘shocked’ at Sky Sports shake-up with pal facing axe after he reversed retirement

    JEFF STELLING is “shocked” Sky Sports are considering axeing long-time colleague Geoff Shreeves amid a major shake-up, reports claim.SunSport exclusively revealed the position of top touchline reporter Shreeves is under threat after 31 YEARS.
    Jeff Stelling is said to be disappointed to hear Geoff Shreeves position could be in danger as Sky Sports ponder big changesCredit: Sky Sports
    Shreeves has been with Sky Sports since the start of the Premier League in 1992Credit: Getty
    And having U-turned on his own decision to retire, Soccer Saturday host Stelling is reportedly upset at the broadcaster pondering changes that might leave 13 reporters reapplying for their jobs.
    The Times say the 68-year-old was not consulted about Sky’s proposals and has told friends he is saddened to hear staff could be under threat.
    The Sun also revealed how the Soccer AM show could be dropped after 28 years, with its possible final whistle coming on May 27.
    But Sky are also said to be considering a wider restructuring.
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    This might include 13 staff members applying for 12 posts –  seven match reporter roles and five positions as “content creator” posts.
    It’s understood Sky Sports news reporters will NOT be affected by any changes.
    But it’s question marks over the future of Shreeves that will surprise many.
    The 58-year-old has been an ever-present at Sky since the Premier League launched in 1992.
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    A Sky Spokesperson said: “Our coverage of football is evolving to reflect the changing habits of our viewers and ensures we continue to deliver the best experience for customers.
    “Our proposal would mean the creation of new roles, and the closing of some existing roles, and we are currently in a consultation period with our people.” More

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    Sky Sports legend under threat of AXE as major cull continues after Soccer AM is cancelled

    SKY SPORTS legend Geoff Shreeves is under threat of being axed by the broadcaster.Shreeves has been an ever-present figure at Sky Sports since joining in 1992.
    Geoff Shreeves is under threat of the axe at Sky SportsCredit: Getty
    However, SunSport understands that Sky bosses are now considering Shreeves’ position.
    A Sky Spokesperson said: “Our coverage of football is evolving to reflect the changing habits of our viewers and ensures we continue to deliver the best experience for customers.
    “Our proposal would mean the creation of new roles, and the closing of some existing roles, and we are currently in a consultation period with our people.”
    The news comes after we revealed how Sky are to set axe iconic football show Soccer AM.
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    The Saturday-morning staple etched its place into British TV history across it’s 30 year runtime.
    And it is now the final countdown for the show as Sky bosses prepare to axe it at the end of the season.
    The final show of Soccer AM is set to air on Saturday May 27.
    Staff were informed of the decision on Tuesday.
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    However, the news has not gone down well, with current hosts John Fendley and Jimmy Bullard said to be “fuming”.
    Regarding the news, a source told The Sun: “It was a complete bombshell.
    “Morale is at an all-time low, they are raging.
    “It’s going to be an interesting watch over the next few weeks.”
    In addition, the Daily Mail claims that Sky’s football reporters have all been told to reapply for their jobs, with some of the “longest-serving and most popular reporters who provide live updates for Soccer Saturday” at risk.
    Sky made a host of cuts to big name staff following the Covid pandemic.

    Long-serving studio analysts Phil Thompson, Charlie Nicholas and Matt Le Tissier were axed in 2020 as Sky looked to go in a new direction.
    This led to presenter Jeff Stelling announcing his intention to leave at the end of the 2022 season, before reversing the decision later on. More

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    Sky Sports and BT Sport face LOSING Premier League TV rights as streaming giants consider bid

    APPLE are ready to make a move for Premier League TV rights when bidding for the next packages begin, according to reports.Their interest could provide a huge threat to Sky Sports’ and BT Sport’s Prem deals.
    The next Prem TV deal will start in 2025Credit: Getty
    Apple TV have already dipped their toe into the football market.
    They produced a four-part original documentary about the Super League, which released earlier this year.
    While they have also begun a ten-year contract to broadcast MLS globally worth a staggering £200million-a-season.
    The current rights packages owned by Sky Sports, BT Sport and Amazon Prime Video will expire at the end of the 2024-25 season.
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    SunSports understands the bidding process will begin towards the end of this year.
    And the new rights will take effect during the start of the 2025-26 Premier League season.
    Sky Sports show around 140 Prem matches per season, with BT Sport owning rights to 50 and Amazon Prime Video broadcasting two complete game weeks, including the Boxing Day fixtures.
    American owners of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea’s Todd Boehly, believe that the £5.1bn over three years earned for global TV rights is less than market value.
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    Last year Boehly admitted that he hopes the Prem can “learn from US sports” when it comes to earning more revenue – even introducing the idea of an All-Star game, like those seen across the pond.
    He said: “Ultimately I hope the Premier League takes a little bit of a lesson from American sports.
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    “And really starts to figure out, why don’t we do a tournament with the bottom four sports teams, why isn’t there an All-Star game?
    “People are talking about more money for the pyramid; in the MLB All-Star game this year we made $200m (£160m) from a Monday and a Tuesday.
    “So we’re thinking we could do a North versus South All-Star game for the Premier League, for whatever the pyramid needed quite easily.”
    Sky Sports have owned the bulk of Prem TV rights since the league’s launch in 1992 – but now find their dominance under severe threat.
    They have revolutionised coverage in the UK, becoming a huge part of households around the country.
    BT Sport, meanwhile, will be renamed TNT Sports following a merger with Warner Bros Discovery [WBD].
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    Managing director of WBD Sports Europe, Andrew Georgiou, said: “On the next rights auction this is a premium service and our intention is to remain a premium service.
    “Our approach to any rights auction is to make sure we maintain that position in the market.”
    Todd Boehly suggested a Prem All-Star gameCredit: Alamy More

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    Chris Kamara breaks silence after Soccer AM is AXED by Sky as he takes fans on trip down memory lane

    CHRIS KAMARA took fans on a trip down memory lane after hearing that Soccer AM had been axed this morning.The Sun revealed that the cult Sky Sports show had been cancelled and would finish for good at the end of the season.
    Chris Kamara is a favourite on Sky SportsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    Soccer AM has been axed by Sky Sports
    With just ten episodes remaining before its final show on May 27, fans are set to be filled with nostalgia.
    And Kammy has shared his happy memories of being part of the show, posting a funny clip to his Twitter page.
    Alongside it, he wrote: “Just heard that @SoccerAM is finishing at the end of the season.
    “I had 14 years of going through Premier League & @EFL clubs dressing rooms.
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    “Training with Clubs for features & basically having a laugh 😂 Fun part of my time at Sky 🤣”
    In the video, Kammy can be seen appearing in a skit alongside fellow Soccer AM favourite Tubes.
    Kamara, 65, can be seen riding a kid’s bike while wearing a long blonde wig and a pink bike helmet.
    Miming along to We Built This City by Starship, Tubes also features in the vid.
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    The skit finishes with the message: “We all need silly stuff.”
    Soccer AM staff were told on Tuesday that the programme’s run would be coming to an end.
    And they were also informed that they would be made redundant upon its conclusion.
    A source told The Sun: “It was a complete bombshell.
    “Morale is at an all-time low, they are raging.
    “It’s going to be an interesting watch over the next few weeks.”
    Soccer AM enjoyed great success with previous presenters Helen Chamberlain and Tim Lovejoy – with Max Rushden and Andy Goldstein having also hosted the show.
    It is currently presented by John Fendley and ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard.
    Both hosts are understood to be “fuming” upon today’s news.
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    A Sky Spokesperson says “Soccer AM has played an important role in our coverage of football for the past three decades, and we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our customers.
    “We now go into a period of consultation to discuss the proposed changes with our people. We are unable to provide more detail while these consultations are underway.”
    Soccer AM was previously hosted by Tim Lovejoy and Helen ChamberlainCredit: Rex Features More

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    Soccer AM cancelled latest — Fans left fuming as show that launched Helen Chamberlain and Tim Lovejoy careers is AXED

    ICONIC footy show Soccer AM is set to be cancelled after 30 years on the telly – with just 10 episodes left to air.With just ten episodes of the Sky Sports cult classic left, Soccer AM is set to end on Saturday 27 May, the day before the end of the Premier League season.
    Staff were informed of the bombshell decision on Tuesday and it is safe to say the news did not go down well.
    A source told The Sun: “It was a complete bombshell. Morale is at an all-time low, they are raging. It’s going to be an interesting watch over the next few weeks.”
    Hosts John Fendley and ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard are said to be “fuming” at the announcement.
    Follow our Soccer AM live blog for the latest news and updates…
    Soccer AM’s most memorable moments
    After almost 30 years Soccer AM will bid us farewell in just 10 weeks.
    Over the years, hosts including Tim Lovejoy, Helen Chamberlain, Andy Goldstein, Max Rushden and more kept us thoroughly entertained.
    While crew members like Tubes and Rocket provided much-needed relief and hilarity.
    Here’s a look at some of the best bits we can remember from Soccer AM.

    Tim Lovejoy getting punched
    On the volley!
    Soccerettes
    Tubes
    Guests
    Lee Trundle
    The crossbar challenge

    Find out more about each of the memorable moments here.
    Soccer AM latest news:

    Chris Kamara reacts as Soccer AM set to be axed at the end of the season
    Chris Kamara was among those posting fond memories of the show today.
    He tweeted: “Just heard that Soccer AM is finishing at the end of the season.
    ”I had 14 years of going through Premier League and EFL [ English Football League] clubs’ dressing rooms, training with clubs for features and basically having a laugh – fun part of my time at Sky.”
    What have Sky Sports said?
    Following its decision to axe iconic footy show Soccer AM, Sky Sports highlighted the network’s need to “adapt”.
    A Sky Spokesperson says “Soccer AM has played an important role in our coverage of football for the past three decades, and we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our customers.
    “We now go into a period of consultation to discuss the proposed changes with our people. We are unable to provide more detail while these consultations are underway.”
    More fan reaction to Soccer AM axe
    Fans continue to react on social media to the cancellation of iconic footy show Soccer AM.
    One wrote: ”End of an era.”
    A second said: ”Soccer AM to be axed. A sad day for football.”
    Who presents Soccer AM?
    Soccer AM is presented by former Wigan Athletic and Hull City star Jimmy Bullard.
    He is joined on the presenting team by John ‘Fenners’ Fendley.
    The show was first presented by Russ Williams and Helen Chamberlin.
    Then in 1996, Helen was joined by Tim Lovejoy, and the two formed a well-loved partnership.
    The iconic pairing is the duo that most people associate with the show.
    Lovejoy left the show in 2007 after 11 years in the job, while Chamberlin presented Soccer AM up until 2017.
    Soccer AM has enjoyed massive success 
    Soccer AM has enjoyed massive success since it first aired on Sky Sports in 1995.
    The 90 minute comedy talk show runs through the week’s footballing events with added skits and challenges for guests and fans.
    Celebrity guests each episode include at least one footballer and a combination of musicians, TV personalities and other sportsmen.
    Exact date of Soccer AM’s final episode
    SOCCER AM will air its final episode on Saturday, 27 May.
    The Sun this morning revealed that the cult Sky Sports show will be axed at the end of the season after nearly 30 years on the air.
    Bosses have decided to axe the show with ten episodes remaining.
    It will finish on the final weekend of the season, and will not extend to the Champions League final.

    Soccer AM had some iconic guests
    Over the years some of Showbiz’s biggest names sat on the Soccer AM couch.
    Famous guests included Hollywood A-listers such as Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and bands like Oasis.
    Every week bands would also appear on the show including the likes of Kasabian and Franz Ferdinand.
    Who has hosted Soccer AM?
    Over the years, Soccer AM has had a slew of iconic presenters, from Helen Chamberlain to Max Rushden.
    With that in mind, here is a list of all the legendary show’s presenters over the years.

    John Fendley
    Jimmy Bullard.
    Tubes
    Helen Chamberlain
    Tim Lovejoy
    Rocket
    Baby Elvis
    Robbie Knox
    Max Rushden
    Lisa Hebden

    Why has Soccer AM been axed?
    Staff were told the unfortunate news that the show would be coming to an end and that they would be made redundant in May.
    A source told the Sun: “It was a complete bombshell.
    “Morale is at an all-time low, they are raging.
    “It’s going to be an interesting watch over the next few weeks.”
    A Sky Spokesperson has said: “Soccer AM has played an important role in our coverage of football for the past three decades, and we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our customers.
    “We now go into a period of consultation to discuss the proposed changes with our people.
    “We are unable to provide more detail while these consultations are underway.”
    Soccer AM hosts ‘fuming’ at axe
    Soccer AM is currently hosted by John Fendley and ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard.
    Both are understood to be “fuming” at the announcement.
    The final episode of the iconic footy show will air on Saturday, 27 May.
    Will you miss Soccer AM?
    Soccer AM played a central role in British football culture for over 30 years.
    But now, the legendary footy show is coming to an end.
    Will you miss it?

    More fan reaction to Soccer AM axe
    Fans continue to react on social media to the cancellation of iconic footy show Soccer AM.
    One devastated fan wrote: “One of my favourite TV shows. Always look forward to my Saturday morning coffee and soccer am.
    “Terrible decision by sky.”
    While a second viewer said: “End of an era (crying emoji)”
    Where is Tim Lovejoy now?
    Tim Lovejoy joined Soccer AM in 1996 after working on the Big Breakfast show.
    He and Helen Chamberlain became a mighty pairing on the Saturday sofa.
    But their partnership ended in 2007 when Lovejoy left Soccer AM to create Channel Bee, an internet television channel.
    He later went on to present Something for the Weekend, a Sunday morning cooking show on BBC2.
    And Lovejoy now fronts Sunday Brunch on Channel 4 alongside co-host Simon Rimmer.

    Where is Helen Chamberlain now?
    ONE of Soccer AM’s OG presenters from back in the day.
    She presented the show every Saturday morning from 1995 for 22 years, leaving in 2017.
    Chamberlain has mostly disappeared from TV screens, but was spotted making a rare public appearance with Fallon Sherrock at the darts last July.
    She also worked on the inaugural World Seniors Darts Championship, interviewing some of the stars.
    And she rescues animals on her farm, telling the Athletic in 2020: “I spent nearly half my life sitting on that sofa.
    “I was there for nearly 23 years. That’s a long time to have any job, never mind a job in broadcasting.
    “I had the farm to see to. I wanted to rescue more dogs and breed sheep and chickens. So I didn’t have time for Saturday mornings anymore.”

    What will replace Soccer AM?
    After 30 years, Soccer AM is set to be cancelled but what will fill its spot?
    The 10.30am Saturday morning slot will now be taken up by Saturday Social – which previously aired before Soccer AM at 9.30am.
    The football show focuses more on the social media side of the game which hopes to appeal more to younger viewers.
    Fans blame ‘social media’ for Soccer AM axe
    Fans are saying Soccer AM is to be axed because young people get their footy news and coverage from social media.
    One Twitter user wrote: “Not surprising. All the kids get their footy banter from social media apps like Instagram nowadays.
    “Sad day if you’re a traditionalist like me.”
    When did Soccer AM first air?
    Soccer AM has enjoyed massive success since it first aired on Sky Sports in 1995 thanks to its laddish humour.
    The 90 minute comedy talk show runs through the week’s footballing events with added skits and challenges for guests and fans.
    Celebrity guests each episode include at least one footballer and a combination of musicians, TV personalities and other sportsmen.
    It was previously hosted by Helen Chamberlain and Tim Lovejoy.
    These days it is presented by John Fendley and ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard.
    Former host Tim Lovejoy discusses his relationship to Soccer AM
    Former Soccer AM presenter, Tim Lovejoy, discussed his relationship with the show with the Atheltic in 2020: “I stopped watching it when I left, it was too hard to watch it.
    “I tune in every now and then because Fenners is on it and I want to support him.
    “Again, another crap analogy, it’s like watching your old girlfriend with another man.
    “I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t watch it. So I stopped watching it totally.
    “And then I started tuning in again to watch Fenners, because obviously I worked with him for years and he’s a top bloke.
    “It’s too hard for me because I watch it all and I want to join in with it.
    “I’d really like to input on the show and put stuff on there and I find it too hard.”
    Soccer AM staff said to be ‘fuming’
    A source has said the Soccer AM staff have been left in shock after Sky’s decision to axe the show.
    A source told The Sun: “It was a complete bombshell.
    “Morale is at an all-time low, they are raging.
    “It’s going to be an interesting watch over the next few weeks.”
    What have Sky Sports said?
    Following its decision to axe iconic footy show Soccer AM, Sky Sports highlighted the network’s need to “adapt”.
    A Sky Spokesperson says “Soccer AM has played an important role in our coverage of football for the past three decades, and we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our customers.
    “We now go into a period of consultation to discuss the proposed changes with our people. We are unable to provide more detail while these consultations are underway.”
    Exact date of Soccer AM’s final episode
    SOCCER AM will air its final episode on Saturday, 27 May.
    The Sun this morning revealed that the cult Sky Sports show will be axed at the end of the season after nearly 30 years on the air.
    Bosses have decided to axe the show with ten episodes remaining.
    It will finish on the final weekend of the season, and will not extend to the Champions League final.

    Who presents Soccer AM?
    Soccer AM is presented by former Wigan Athletic and Hull City star Jimmy Bullard.
    He is joined on the presenting team by John ‘Fenners’ Fendley.
    The show was first presented by Russ Williams and Helen Chamberlin.
    Then in 1996, Helen was joined by Tim Lovejoy, and the two formed a well-loved partnership.
    The iconic pairing is the duo that most people associate with the show.
    Lovejoy left the show in 2007 after 11 years in the job, while Chamberlin presented Soccer AM up until 2017.
    Why has Soccer AM been axed?
    Staff were told the unfortunate news that the show would be coming to an end and that they would be made redundant in May.
    A source told the Sun: “It was a complete bombshell.
    “Morale is at an all-time low, they are raging.
    “It’s going to be an interesting watch over the next few weeks.”
    A Sky Spokesperson has said: “Soccer AM has played an important role in our coverage of football for the past three decades, and we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our customers.
    “We now go into a period of consultation to discuss the proposed changes with our people.
    “We are unable to provide more detail while these consultations are underway.”
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