Sky Sports are continuing to overhaul their football coverage ahead of the new season.
The changes began to set in motion before the end of the 202/23 campaign as it was announced that staple Saturday morning staple Soccer AM was coming to an end. This was followed by announcements that long-time Soccer Saturday presenter Jeff Stelling was leaving the broadcaster, as well as leading commentator Martin Tyler and pundit Graeme Souness.
It has since been revealed that touchline reporter Geoff Shreeves is set to leave after more than three decades with the broadcaster as Sky Sports seek to revamp their football coverage, showcased by their growth on social media and successful YouTube content. A Sky Sports 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.”
Here’s a look at the major changes for Sky Sports ahead of next season:
READ: Why Geoff Shreeves has left Sky Sports as major changes continue for broadcaster
Geoff Shreeves
The latest change to Sky’s coverage, Shreeves’ departure signals a wider change to the organisation’s football reporting team. The Daily Mail has reported that six of their 13 football reporters will either be leaving or not continuing in their current roles. Meanwhile, it is claimed that four new content creator roles have been created as part of a continual shift in Sky Sports’ outlook.
Shreeves was reportedly offered the opportunity to remain with Sky Sports on a reduced salary but opted to leave the broadcaster, who he has worked for since 1991. On his decision, Shreeves said: “I have been incredibly fortunate to work for a ground-breaking company who have helped revolutionise football.
“But the time is right to move on. Sky have been incredibly generous in recognition of my service and I can't speak more highly of so many people I've worked with there over three decades. I now have the opportunity for new experiences which I'm looking forward to announcing in the very near future.”
Martin Tyler
Tyler has been Sky Sports’ lead commentator since the inception of the Premier League in 1992. He is synonymous with the channel’s top-flight coverage, with his crowning moment coming through the Sergio Aguero goal as Manchester City won the league in 2012.
The 77-year-old was denied an on-air send-off due to illness but he has not hung up his microphone and intends to work for other broadcasters. However, Sky have already added the well-known voice of Peter Drury to their roster of commentators. Drury will also continue to commentate on the Premier League for NBC.
Jeff Stelling
The end of the 2022/23 season saw Jeff Stelling bow out as Soccer Saturday host after 25 years in the chair. Stelling, 68, had previously revealed his intentions to leave the show during the 2021/22 season but remained for a further year. His replacement is currently unknown.
The voice of Saturday 3pm kick-offs for many football fans around the country, the popular Hartlepool fan has insisted that he is not retiring. The Telegraph has reported that Stelling is on gardening leave and is in talks with both BBC Radio 5 Live and Amazon Prime.
"I've been at Sky for more than 30 years and loved every moment of my time as part of the Soccer Saturday team," Stelling said, back in April. "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!"
Graeme Souness
The formidable player and manager spent 15 years in the Sky Sports studio as a pundit. Souness was well-known for feisty debates with his fellow pundits and was often forthright in his views, making for some eye-catching TV moments over the years.
An emotional Souness bid farewell to the station after Liverpool’s 4-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in April. However, the 70-year-old has maintained that he is open to working for other broadcasters.
"It meant a lot that my last game for Sky was at Liverpool, the club I hold so dear,” he said, back in May. “I will be 70 on Saturday and I'm still very much open for business. My passion for football is undimmed and I certainly still feel I have a lot to offer."
Soccer AM
The Saturday morning show became a staple for football fans across the country during its 28-year run. Mixing sketch comedy and football fan culture, the talk show spawned terrace chants and made household names of the likes of ‘Tubes’ and ‘Fenners’, with the show often remembered for the popular presenting duo of Tim Lovejoy and Helen Chamberlain.
It was reported in March that the show was set to be axed at the end of the season, with Sky confirming the decision in May. The final show was presented by ‘Fenners’ and former footballer Jimmy Bullard.
A statement said: “Soccer AM has been hugely popular with audiences over almost three decades, engaged hundreds of celebrity guests and musical acts all brought together by a shared love of football." It is claimed that Sky will move Saturday Social to Soccer AM’s time slot, which focuses on social media football news and features prominent YouTubers.
