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Jeff Stelling ‘in talks’ to join Sky Sports’ rivals after bringing end to 30-year stint
Jeff Stelling left Sky Sports at the end of the season and is being eyed by several broadcasters as he continues to be highly-rated by football fans following his time presenting Soccer Saturday
Legendary broadcaster Jeff Stelling is in talks with the BBC and Amazon Prime after leaving Sky Sports at the end of the season.
Stelling stood down from the broadcaster after a 30-year stint, primarily as the presenter of its flagship Soccer Saturday results programme. He also previously hosted Sky’s Champions League coverage when they had the rights to screen Europe’s premier club competition.
His current ‘free agent’ status means he is in high-demand, having developed a reputation as being one of Britain’s best presenters. Stelling had previously announced his exit from Sky last year, but agreed to stay on for one more season.
He has now left the broadcaster permanently though and is currently on gardening leave. The 68-year-old has insisted he has not retired though, recently tweeting there is “still a bit of life in the old boy yet!”.
According to the Daily Telegraph that has attracted the eye of the BBC and Amazon, who are both looking to offer Stelling a return to broadcasting. The corporation is eyeing him up for a role on their 5 Live Radio station.
While Amazon are looking to bring in a big name to front their coverage of the Champions League, which they gain the rights to in 2024. The BBC and Amazon are said to be the two leading suitors, with several broadcasters interested in signing him up.
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Stelling is serving a period of gardening leave before he can start working for another broadcaster. He has also previously confirmed that he will weigh up his decision over the course of several weeks.
When he announced his departure from Sky, Stelling delivered an emotional monologue. During it, he discussed the reasons behind his decision to leave after three decades with the broadcaster.
“It is groundhog day, it is that time of the year, every year, where I announce I am leaving Sky Sports and Gillette Soccer Saturday. But this time it is true. I’ve been at Sky for more than 30 years and loved every moment of my time as part of the Soccer Saturday team,” he said.
“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!”
Stelling was hailed by Sky’s director of football Gary Hughes upon the announcement of his exit. Hughes insisted Stelling would be much-missed, having become a staple of Saturday afternoon viewing for many fans.
“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 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.”
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