Jeff Stelling claims there's "still a bit of life in the old boy yet" as he dismissed the notion of him retiring.
The iconic broadcaster will quit Sky Sports Soccer Saturday when this season concludes, bringing to an end his starring role on the legendary show. Stelling has been the programme's anchor for more than 25 years, winning numerous awards in the process.
There will no doubt be a clamour for his services should the 68-year-old eye a new role - which by the looks of it he would be open to. Stelling clarified his current state of mind on social media as he said: “Not retired. Leaving Sky. Still a bit of life in the old boy yet!”
Stelling announced his departure plan live on Soccer Saturday earlier this season, saying: "I've been at Sky for more than 30 years and loved every moment of my time as part of the Soccer Saturday team. It is now the right time to move on and give Sky Sports viewers a break from my relentless rants, bad gags and over the top celebrations of Hartlepool United goals. It's been a lot of fun - for me at least!"
The Sky Sports veteran has been a mainstay on a show that has seen huge change, especially in recent years. The pundits were overhauled post-Covid with the likes of Charlie Nicholas, Phil Thompson and Matt Le Tissier all being moved on with younger contributors replacing them.
Despite that, Stelling has continued to be a regular on our screens with his wit, charisma and love of Hartlepool constants throughout. He joined Sky back in 1992 - the year of the inception of the Premier League. Since then the broadcaster has become hugely influential - and continues to be.
Sky Sports Director of Football Gary Hughes said on the legendary figure: "After a brilliant 30+ year career at Sky, including over 25 years as the much-loved host of Soccer Saturday, Jeff Stelling is leaving Sky Sports at the end of the current football season.
"Jeff has been synonymous with Saturday afternoon football for decades, exciting and enthusing football fans everywhere. His unique broadcasting ability and passion for the game has made Soccer Saturday an unmissable fixture for fans and has won him a multitude of awards.
"He will be sorely missed. Sky Sports will give him the great send off his remarkable and enduring contribution deserves before he leaves us at the end of May to spend more Saturdays with his beloved Hartlepool United."
