Jeff Stelling announces he is leaving Sky Sports and Soccer Saturday

'It is now the right time to move on and give Sky Sports viewers a break'

The 68-year-old revealed his intention to step down live on air during this weekend's Soccer Saturday and joked it was time to give "Sky Sports viewers a break".

Stelling made the same decision last year but then changed his mind, something he joked about when delivering the news Saturday.

“It is Groundhog Day, that time of the year when I announce that I am leaving Sky Sports and Gillette Soccer Saturday,” he said, before adding. “This time it is true."

The award-winning presenter continued: "I've been at Sky for more than 30 years and loved every moment of my time as part of the Soccer Saturday team.

"It is now the right time to move on and give Sky Sports viewers a break from my relentless rants, bad gags and over-the-top celebrations of Hartlepool United goals. It's been a lot of fun - for me at least!"

The news was met by a round of applause from the show's panel of guests.

Sky quoted its sports director of football, Gary Hughes, as saying:"After a brilliant 30+ year career at Sky, including over 25 years as the much-loved host of Soccer Saturday, Jeff Stelling is leaving Sky Sports at the end of the current football season.

"Jeff has been synonymous with Saturday afternoon football for decades, exciting and enthusing football fans everywhere. His unique broadcasting ability and passion for the game has made Soccer Saturday an unmissable fixture for fans and has won him a multitude of awards.

"He will be sorely missed. Sky Sports will give him the great send off his remarkable and enduring contribution deserves before he leaves us at the end of May to spend more Saturdays with his beloved Hartlepool United."

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