Jeff Stelling Says He ‘Regrets Not Leaving’ Sky Sports Earlier Than He Did After Almost Three Decades With The Broadcaster

Jeff Stelling has confessed that ‘he regrets not’ leaving Sky Sports earlier than he did, following the surprise dismissals of his trio of best pals from Soccer Saturday. 

Stelling spent the best part of three decades of his glittering career with the broadcaster before it came to an end in at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season.

Many will now recognise the Hartlepool United fan as the voice of talkSPORT’s breakfast show. However, he built up an arsenal of admirers as the face of the football-focused show which saw millions tune in every week.

Since taking the main presenting role of Soccer Saturday in 1994, Stelling also oversaw other flagship shows such as Monday Night Football and Sky’s UEFA Champions League coverage.

Nonetheless, he will always be renowned for his antics on Soccer Saturday. Stelling provided an encyclopedia of knowledge and stats about all four of England’s top leagues.

Furthermore, his charm, wit and humour were some of his finest traits that held him in such high regard. Stelling really was one of the best in the business and most popular figures on British TV.

Now, the 69-year-old has opened up about his friend’s untimely exit from Soccer Saturday. In 2020, Charlie Nicholas, Matt Le Tissier and Phil Thompson were all given their P45’s.

Jeff Stelling On His ‘Regrets’ Of Not Leaving Sky Sports Sooner

“Yes, I do regret not leaving. But I’d been cocooned by Sky for so many years. This wonderful, privileged life, I was treated very well, got a good salary,” Jeff Stelling said.

“I still enjoyed a lot of it, not maybe as much as I had done, but to step outside was a big move. I guess I was afraid of the big wide world.

“Ultimately, if I’d gone at the same time as them, maybe it might have been the right thing for me. That chemistry once constructed was vital.

“Throw it out, you lose everything. It was very difficult to put three new people into that place and expect them to have the same connection,” he added.

Since Stelling left his role, Simon Thomas has filled the void. Former Arsenal star Paul Merson is still the lead pundit. He is often joined by Alan McInally, Lee Hendrie, Jamie Mackie and Clinton Morrison to name but a few.

During Jeff’s tenure, the likes of George Best and Rodney Marsh were studio regulars. They were often joined by Frank McLintock as well which helped craft the show into what it is today.