Sky Sports are planning on appointing Jeff Stelling’s replacement on Soccer Saturday from within their ranks.
Stelling is set to step down from his role as anchor after almost 30 years in the hot seat. The 68-year-old has played an integral role in building a show which has become synonymous with Saturday afternoons up and down the country.
But after U-turning on leaving the show 12 months ago, he confirmed that at the end of this Premier League season, he would be calling it a day. “It is Groundhog Day, that time of the year when I announce that I am leaving Sky Sports and Gillette Soccer Saturday,” Stelling said.
“This time it is true. After 30 fantastic years on Sky, you lot out there have supported me, as have Sky, but it’s time to give you a break from all the VAR rants and bad gags and over the top celebrations when Hartlepool score a goal and give someone else the chance to do this fantastic job.
“So I’ll be leaving on May 28th, we’ve got a few programs between now and then, this is the last six hour Saturday Gillette Soccer Saturday… so we’d better get on with it!”
Talk quickly moved to who would fill the giant shoes of the broadcasting legend with Soccer Saturday set to enter a new era. And the Daily Mail report that his successor will be an internal appointment, rather than bringing in any outside talent.
Adam Smith is reported to be the frontrunner for the role, having interviewed for the position last year. Smith, who has previously worked on Soccer AM, now hosts the Saturday Social and is said to have impressed execs during his screen test.
Julian Warren is also in the frame and would be a safe appointment having stood in for Stelling on numerous occasions over the years. It has yet to be confirmed when the next host will be announced, but could come during Stelling’s final appearance on Sunday.
Tributes are already pouring in for the venerable broadcaster, including from his long-time colleague and close personal pal Chris Kamara. "This Sunday sees the last day at Sky for the best broadcaster I have ever met @JeffStelling,” he posted on Twitter.
“I am getting my tribute in early because Jeff has been a massive part of my life & I love him to bits. One of the things I do miss is working with the maestro. There will never be another. You are 'Unbelievable Jeff' - and always will be.”
Stelling then replied: "We did ok Kammy didn’t we for two scruffy kids from either side of the River Tees. All those feelings are mutual btw. Thanks Pal. Take care !"
Stelling himself has clarified reports that he could be retiring with a post on social media recently - something Kamara was keen to remind people of. He replied to one comment by saying: "He’s not retiring, just parting company."
Sky Sports' Director of Football, Gary Hughes said: "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."
