Soccer AM's Tubes defends show as he explains why it had to change over time

This weekend marks the end of an era for a lot of footy fans as Soccer AM will air on Sky Sports for the final time.

The weekly football show started way back in 1995 and has seen a slew of presenters and special guests in that time.

From the days of the iconic Tim Lovejoy and Helen Chamberlain to the more recent days of John Fendley and ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard - Soccer AM has seen it all.

It was Fendley who confirmed this Saturday's (27 May) season-ending show of Soccer AM would be its final ever, following a previous announcement from Sky in March.

On his Instagram account, he wrote: “All good things come to an end, and today I can confirm that our show on May 27th will be the final episode of Soccer AM.

“The show has been a huge part of my life since 1996 and I will take away so many wonderful memories.

Sky

“Huge thanks to the current team and to everyone I have had the pleasure of working alongside over the last 20 years.

“Hopefully the next 20 will be as much fun. Thanks for all your support.”

In recent years, the show has been criticised by many fans from moving too far away from what made it so successful in the first place.

Segments such as the popular dance off were scrapped, which many footy fans believe the show failed to recover from.

Nonetheless, Soccer AM regular Tubes has defended the show and explained why he feels it had to change over time.

The 41-year-old, whose real name is Peter Dale, has been part of the show for the best part of 20 years - so has really seen it all.

Speaking on the Tubes & Ange Golf Life podcast, he said: "I get fed up with people that say, 'It is not what it use to be', it can't be what it use to be.

"Some of the jokes and the innuendoes, we can't do stuff like that [today]."

YouTube/TUBES & ANGE GOLF LIFE

While he admitted the show was 'poor' for a few years, Tubes heaped praise on current hosts Bullard and Fendley for turning it around.

When asked about what he will miss about Soccer AM, Tubes said: "The buzz. When you've done a live show and you've come off and you're like, 'yeah, that was amazing.'

"The Saturday morning buzz, it's like when a footballer talks about matchday.

"If you're watching it live you see the audience buzzing and if the show's really good everyone's in fine form, like getting involved laughing and joking, and then when the show's done you're like, 'oh wow.' I'm going to miss that."