Jeff Stelling replacement search sparks Sky Sports U-turn on as BBC presenter 'out the running'

Jeff Stelling's replacement as Soccer Saturday host will be an internal appointment when he steps down from the role at the end of the season, according to reports.

The veteran presenter announced he would be leaving the broadcaster after 30 years which includes 25 years as the frontman for their flagship results show on a Saturday afternoon. Stelling announced last season he would be leaving but was urged to return for another year following an outpouring by pundits and fans.

The Daily Mail report Sky has already begun looking for a replacement, having also conducted a search for a successor last season. An appointment from within is believed to be the approach this time after sounding out a number of external candidates in 2022, according to the Daily Mail. The broadcaster is undergoing a cost-cutting process after losing around nine per cent of their UK subscribers last year. According to a number of reports, football reporters including veteran Geoff Shreeves, are facing redundancy. As a result, bringing in a big-money external replacement for Stelling is seen as being 'inappropriate'.

BBC Sport presenter Mark Chapman was approached by Sky last year when Stelling announced his departure but he is now out of the running after the cost-cutting measures were announced. Sky staff members Julian Warren and Adam Smith are the frontrunners to take over from Stelling.

Warren would fit the role as he deputises for Stelling on midweek editions of the results show. Smith used to host Soccer AM. Stelling made the announcement last week, he said: "It is groundhog day, yes it is. That time of the year, every year when I announce that I am leaving Sky Sports and Gilette Soccer Saturday but this time it is true."

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