Jeff Stelling announces he's leaving Soccer Saturday for good

Jeff Stelling has announced he's leaving Soccer Saturday for good, having thanked fans for their support over '30 fantastic years'.

He told viewers today (Saturday 29 April): "It’s Groundhog Day – yes, it is that time of the year every year when I announce that I am leaving Sky Sports and Gillette Soccer Saturday.

"But this time it is true. 30 fantastic years on Sky.

"You lot out there, you’ve supported me marvellously, as have Sky. It’s time to give you a break from all the VAR rants and the bag gags – and the over-the-top celebrations when Hartlepool score – and give somebody else a chance to do this fantastic job."

Sky Sports

Looking slightly tearful, Stelling confirmed his last shift behind the desk would be on 28 May.

After the news broke, many fans said they were sad to see the presenter go, wishing him well.

One tweeted: "All the best @JeffStelling Sky Sports Soccer Saturdays won’t be the same."

Someone else said: "Hope you change your mind again @JeffStelling. It won't be the same without you."

Another called him a 'legend' of the scene, while a fourth added: "Knew it was coming but still sad. Won’t be the same now."

Others joked about how they'd heard it all before, with one joking: "More retirements than Floyd Mayweather."

Another said: "Feels like he retires every year."

Stelling - who joined Sky in 1992 - said in October 2021 that he would be leaving Soccer Saturday at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

However, he later confirmed he'd stay on for another season.

Sky Sports

Sky Sports has said Stelling will be 'sorely missed' at the channel, saying he has become 'synonymous' with the long-running weekend football coverage.

Gary Hughes, Sky Sports Director of Football, said: “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."

Stelling will continue to be joined by the likes of Paul Merson, Clinton Morrison, Sue Smith, Alan McInally, Michael Dawson and Tim Sherwood for the rest of the season, before bowing out on 28 May.

While his successor has not yet been named, Soccer Saturday is due to continue as usual next season.