ACCORDING TO reports Soccer Saturday's host Jeff Stelling said his decision to step down as the lead host was due to the axing of his co-hosts last season.
Stelling has been the host for almost three decades. He joined the hugely popular show in 1994, but as time has moved on so has the panel around him.
The popular foursome of Stelling, Paul Merson, Phil Thompson, Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas was a big hit on Saturday mornings with football viewers.
Sky however decided to sack Thompson, Nicholas, and Thompson last year with no reason given as to why the trio were given their marching orders. This has affected Stelling according to reports.
Jeff Stelling will leave Soccer Saturday at the end of the season, saying "it is time to let somebody else have a go at what is the best job in the world".
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 30, 2021
Jeff Stelling moves on
An insider told the Sun :
“Phil, Charlie and Matt were not just colleagues they were mates, and that means a huge amount to him. Jeff is believed to have thought of little else other than of leaving since then.
“He has just been waiting for the right opportunity. If the three hadn’t been axed the way they were, Jeff would have stayed on.”
Last year Stelling gave his immediate reaction to the line-up change which saw some of his close friends given the boot.
"One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departure of three of my best mates," he tweeted. "They have been part of a team that for me was the best."
Stelling has no plans to retire but has given no indication as to what he'll do next.
On Saturday he received a standing ovation and said: "I have loved every moment of my 30 years with Sky, but like every Saturday afternoon the time eventually comes to blow the final whistle.
"I am proud to have been part of such a winning team for so long and look forward to the many more special moments on Soccer Saturday for rest of this season - and perhaps even another promotion push from Hartlepool United."
He wasn't consulted over the decision and remains loyal to the trio, which was a factor in his decision to step down.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)