Jeff Stelling explains decision behind sensational Soccer Saturday U-turn

'The truth is that I was never retiring'

Jeff Stelling has further explained why he made the decision to reverse his plan to step down as the host of Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday. The 67-year-old announced that he was to step down at the end of the current campaign in October, after nearly three decades with Sky - much of which has been spent as the host of the popular Saturday afternoon show. However, he made the announcement last week that he had changed his mind and would continue on the show next season. Now, Stelling has revealed more details around the thinking behind the decision, admitting that the amount of people urging him to stay on meant he needed to change his mind.

'There was never going to be a Scholes-esque comeback'

Writing in his column in the Hartlepool Mail, he said: "The truth is that I was never retiring so there was never going to be a Sinatra or Streisand or Scholes-esque comeback. "I always intended to carry on working and had lots of offers. I had been mulling over which to accept for months. When I suggested that I could carry on for at least another year, they agreed pretty much on the spot. "I know a year might not be enough by the way which is why I agreed AT LEAST another 12 months with Sky. Hopefully that will be time enough for me to be presenting when Pools win promotion back to League One!" https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1510211786204749824 On Saturday's show, he also made a slight reference to his dramatic u-turn, saying: "In the immortal words of Bucks Fizz 'soon you will find that there comes a time for making your mind up. I couldn't drag myself away!'"

Stelling's long-lasting legacy

Stelling - who joined Sky Sports in 1992 - became the presenter of 'Sports Saturday' in 1994.  The show was later rebranded as Soccer Saturday in 1998. Related links:

• Sky confirm Jeff Stelling will stay on Soccer Saturday after dramatic u-turn
• Jeff Stelling loses it on Soccer Saturday after Brighton denied blatant penalty
• Jeff Stelling launches stunning defence of Newcastle in response to radio reporter