Daily Mail: TNT Sports 'AXE Peter Walton from coverage as shake-up continues'

Story from Daily Mail:

TNT have axed Peter Walton for next season amid a major shake-up with the broadcaster's on-screen personnel, according to reports.

The channel have rebranded from BT Sport to TNT Sports and Laura Woods will be heading a new presenting team in the role of Jake Humphrey, who left at the end of last season.

The reported change comes just hours after Sky Sports confirmed that controversial former referee Mike Dean was appointed to give his views on key decisions on their Saturday football show Soccer Saturday.

Walton worked for BT for several years and was also part of ITV's punditry team for Euro 2020 to provide expert insight into key decisions.

Prior to his work in broadcast, Walton was a Premier League referee for nearly 20 years, officiating in the division from 1993 to 2012 - his future now, according to The Sun, is unclear.

Walton's presence wasn't always favoured by viewers, and it appears TNT have listened to that particular crowd in opting to go without a former referee's insight for the 2023-24 season.

While Woods will head the presenting team, while Lynsey Hipgrave will continue to present on the channel with Jules Breach set to replace Des Kelly as the channel's main touchline reporter.

Managing director Andrew Georgiou said of the changes: 'TNT Sports will be a 100 per cent focused British brand and we promise to do 'Right by the Fans'.

'It will be different, new and bold in terms of how we bring sport to life on air and our talent line-up is a reflection of the brand - passionate and energetic.

'We know the fans want humour and fun but also to take sport seriously and we have a team we feel is relatable to our viewers.

'We need to know what the packages, time-slots and picks are in the new deal because that is very important.

'But we have made it clear we must maintain our position as a premier broadcaster.'

Dean, meanwhile, quit his role as a video assistant referee to take up his role at Sky, saying: 'With all the technology available in today's game, I think it's crucial that fans understand why decisions have been made, even if they don't agree with them!'

Simon Thomas will present the show after legendary host Jeff Stelling left his role at the end of last season.