Popular Soccer AM presenter Tubes has confirmed he is leaving Sky Sports after the programme was cancelled by the broadcaster.
Tubes, whose real name is Peter May, has joined a whole host of people in leaving Sky Sports, who were undergoing a raft of major changes this summer.
He wrote on Instagram: "After 21 and half years, today I leave @skysports. Massive thanks to the company and all the opportunities it’s given me. It’s been class. BIG Love to everyone. Tubes x".
Former Chelsea and Everton manager Frank Lampard replied: "You’ve been more than amazing there. Talented and a great lad. Always a pleasure to work with. Wishing you all the best mate."
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp wrote: "One of my favourite and most talented people I have worked with . Super funny and cool and never taken himself seriously. Can’t wait to smash you at golf again soon . You will be a huge success whatever you do."
Ex-Chelsea captain John Terry added: "What a LEGEND what a guy, love ya mate and good luck with your next chapter."
England midfielder James Maddison also paid tribute, writing: "What a guy! Best of luck legend." Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster added: "Man I’m gonna miss you on my TV tubes."
Sky Sports announced the decision to call time on Soccer AM back in March. From next season it will be replaced by the Saturday Social.
A spokesperson for Sky 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.”
As well as Tubes, Soccer AM made stars of the likes of Helen Chamberlain, Tim Lovejoy, Andy Goldstein, Max Rushden and Lloyd Griffiths.
Despite huge popularity, interest in Soccer AM has dwindled over recent years. Ratings have decreased, whilst the average broadcast time has also gone down from 240 minutes to 90 minutes.
Sky has made a clear attempt to revamp its sports programming, with Jeff Stelling stepping away from Soccer Saturday and Martin Tyler leaving his role as lead commentator.
Meanwhile, programmes such as The Sunday Supplement, Goals on Sunday and The Debate have all been taken off our screens.
