SOCCER SATURDAY will be without one of their most popular stars next season.
Sky Sports’ Saturday afternoon show is set for major upheaval this summer, with the departure of popular long-serving pundit Chris Kamara and an expected influx of new arrivals.
Chris Kamara confirmed his exit from Soccer Saturday in April
Jeff Stelling will be staying on for next season, performing a U-turn on his earlier decision to leave
Last month, 64-year-old Kamara revealed he’s fighting Apraxia of Speech after viewers spotted him slurring his words.
Shortly after the announcement, he confirmed that he was leaving the Sky Sports football show after 24 years on the programme.
Apraxia is a condition which affects an area of the brain that controls how we speak.
His statement read: “My long career at Sky Sports has never felt like work. I’ve spent 24 terrific years at Sky, and leave with the best of memories.
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“My time on Soccer AM, Goals on Sunday and, of course, on Soccer Saturday with Jeff has been – to coin a phrase – unbelievable.
“I’ve had the time of my life, and look forward to tuning in every Saturday as a fan.”
Kamara will now set off on a new adventure with the BBC.
He will co-host his podcast “Unbelievable” alongside presenter and pal Ben Sheppard.
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There was also expected to be a change of host until Jeff Stelling pulled a dramatic U-turn, going back on his earlier decision to quit the show.
It means quick-witted Stelling will still be the lead for Soccer Saturday next season.
He tweeted: “Thanks to everyone for their kind words about my decision to carry on presenting @GilletteSoccerS.
“Felt job wasn’t complete until Merse finally masters pronouncing Allan Saint-Maximin properly!!”
Stelling could be set to be joined by another influx of new pundits.
Their last major clearout came in 2020, when Charlie Nicholas, Phil Thompson and Matt Le Tissier were ditched for some fresh voices.
Sky ditched a number of their former pundits in 2020
Fan favourite Merse remains on the show
Old favourite Paul Merson has been joined in the studio this season by the likes of Michael Dawson, Clinton Morrison and Tim Sherwood.
A number of new pundits have been tipped to join Stelling and Co.
These include former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, who would certainly add some new life to the format.
Another to be backed is former Arsenal favourite Alex Scott, although her current gig hosting Football Focus would possibly block that move.
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Ex-Tottenham hero Robbie Keane is also in the frame, as well as Shay Given and Leighton Baines.
Glenn Murray and Steven Naismith are fancied too, as well as another BBC stalwart in Dion Dublin, who has recently been appearing on Sky Sports broadcasts.
Alex Scott could move back to Sky from the BBC
Roy Keane would add fireworks to Soccer Saturday
