Sky Sports are set to opt for a surprise choice to replace legendary presenter Jeff Stelling after he announced he was stepping down from his Soccer Saturday position.
Stelling has anchored the football results show since 1994 and fronted coverage of some of the most dramatic and hilarious moments in history.
But he made a bombshell announcement last week confirming he would be stepping down from his position and leaving Sky, explaining it is time to "give someone else the chance to do this fantastic job".
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Stelling had made a retirement decision previously before executing a U-turn but he will leave a gaping hole after he presents his final show on May 28.
A slew of potential candidates have been touted to replace Stelling, including the likes of Laura Woods and Mark Chapman, two of the leading presenters in the game.
However, the Daily Mail say Sky are set to make an internal appointment for the role.
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The television giants are having to cut costs significantly after a nine per cent decrease in UK subscribers and it's been reported that touchline reporter Geoff Shreeves could be facing redundancy.
As a result, a big-money addition to host Soccer Saturday is believed to be unlikely as it is seen as "inappropriate" given the predicament Sky are in.
Instead, there are two current Sky employees said to be in contention for the job. Julian Warren, who presents midweek editions of Soccer Saturday, and Saturday Social presenter Adam Smith, were both discreetly interviewed last year when Stelling was ready to call it a day.
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Staunch Hartlepool United supporter Stelling had his final six-hour programme last week and will be giving all the updates on the final day of the Premier League season at the end of the month.
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The 67-year-old's departure represents the end of an iconic era and follows on from exits involving Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson.
Topics: Sky Sports, Premier League, Jeff Stelling
Josh Lawless