Bad news for anyone who liked the last two episodes of Game of Thrones

This one is a bit of a head-scratcher.

Game of Thrones has come in for almost unprecedented levels of praise following the penultimate and final episodes of its sixth season, 'The Battle of the Bastards' and 'The Winds of Winter'. Among the chiefly praised elements of those two episodes were the momentous battle for Winterfell and the immaculately-staged opening sequence of the season finale. But there's disappointing news for fans of the man responsible for these things, director Miguel Sapochnik, as it has been confirmed that he won't be directing any episodes of the show's seventh season. Sapochnik, who also directed season five's epic White Walker showdown in 'Hardhome', wasn't on the list of four directors for next season released this week. The list instead consists of Emmy-Award winner Alan Taylor of The Sopranos fame, Jeremy Podeswa of Boardwalk Empire, Mark Mylod who directed this season's 'The Broken Man' and 'No One' and Matt Shakman, best known for his work on It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia. These guys have got some serious chops, but we can't help but feel a bit disappointed that Sapochnik won't be reprising his role after his stellar work on season six. Let's hope he makes his return in season eight.