Soccer Saturday legend Dickie Davis announces Sky departure after 30 years with broadcaster

The news comes just hours before the first Soccer Saturday of the season

A familiar face for viewers of Sky's football coverage, Davis was a regular on Soccer Saturday, appearing from grounds across the country every weekend.

But, just hours before the first Soccer Saturday of the 2023/24 season, he's decided to call time on his Sky career.

In a statement on social media, Davis said: "I'm leaving Sky Sports after nigh on 30 years.

"It's been an absolute privilege chatting to players and managers - and reporting on games every week on such a successful show."

He went on to thank his Soccer Saturday colleagues, camera operators, producers, and all the clubs, players and managers he's spoken to during his time on the show.

Davis finished by saying: "And to the fans up and down the country I've bumped into on trains or at games, thanks for watching and you kind words have always been greatly appreciated. It's been an absolute honour."

His announcement came on Saturday morning ahead of the relaunch of Soccer Saturday for the upcoming football season.

This season, the show will be fronted by long-time Sky presenter Simon Thomas, who is stepping into hosting duties following Jeff Stelling's departure.

Along with the changes on Soccer Saturday, this season will be a new-look one for Sky's football coverage in general.

At the end of last season, Graeme Souness announced he was stepping down from punditry duties at Sky.

This was followed by the news over the summer that legendary commentator Martin Tyler would also be leaving the broadcaster after 33 years.

Peter Drury has been announced as his replacement for Sky's Premier League coverage.

And last month, reporter Geoff Shreeves confirmed he was leaving Sky as well.

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