Daily Mail: Simon Thomas set to replace Jeff Stelling as Soccer Saturday host

Story from Daily Mail:

Former Blue Peter presenter Simon Thomas has won the race to replace Jeff Stelling as host of Sky Sport’s iconic results service Soccer Saturday.

Mail Sport has learned that Sky are preparing to announce Thomas’ appointment next week after he saw off stiff competition from other Sky presenters Caroline Barker and Jules Warren.

Thomas has big shoes to fill in replacing Stelling, who fronted Soccer Saturday for 25 years before quitting at the end of last season, but will be a popular appointment with viewers and colleagues.

The 50-year-old was previously one of Sky’s main Premier League presenters before stepping away from the role following the tragic death of his wife six years ago to care for his family, and subsequently building a successful freelance career.

Thomas spent six years presenting Blue Peter before joining Sky, where he initially worked largely for Sky Sports News.

After six years with the company in 2011 the Norwich City fan was given the job of presenting Sky’s Football League and League Cup coverage before being given Premier League matches three years later.

Thomas’ first show as Soccer Saturday host will take place in three weeks’ time on the first day of the Football League season on 5 August before the Premier League returns the following week. A Sky spokesperson declined to comment.

Sky have endured a tumultuous summer in their sport department after making six of their football reporting team redundant as well as saying goodbye to many of their most high-profile stars.

In addition to Stelling veteran commentator Martin Tyler, pundit Graeme Souness and touchline reporter Geoff Shreeves have also announced their departures.